piracy

American  

[pahy-ruh-see] / ˈpaɪ rə si /

noun

plural

piracies

1. practice of a pirate; robbery or illegal violence at sea.

2. the unauthorized reproduction or use of a copyrighted book, recording, television program, patented invention, trademarked product, etc..

   The record industry is beset with piracy.

3. Also called stream capture.  Geology. diversion of the upper part of one stream by the headward growth of another.

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piracy British  

/ ˈpaɪrəsɪ /

noun

1. robbery on the seas within admiralty jurisdiction

2. a felony, such as robbery or hijacking, committed aboard a ship or aircraft

3. the unauthorized use or appropriation of patented or copyrighted material, ideas, etc

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Other Word Forms

• antipiracy noun

Etymology

Origin of piracy

1545–55; earlier pyracie < Medieval Latin pīrātīa < Late Greek peirāteía. See pirate, -acy

Example Sentences

Lower courts upheld a jury’s verdict against Cox’s internet service for contributing to music piracy, which the company did little to stop.

From Los Angeles Times

It was the 11th consecutive year of growth, after streaming subscriptions rescued the industry from a period of piracy and financial decline.

From BBC

However, the increase was far smaller compared with previous agreements, for reasons including decreased competition and digital piracy.

From Barron's

Since the 1800s, shipping insurers have pooled together in mutual insurance clubs that sell separate coverage for losses to ships and cargo caused by war, terrorism, and piracy.

From Barron's

Globally tankers were facing "a resurgence in piracy and other attacks", while a newer phenomenon of so-called "dark fleets - vessels engaged in sanction busting activities" brought further problems.

From BBC

Related Words

• copying
• hijacking
• infringement
• plagiarism
• theft