plunder

[ pluhn-der ]

verb (used with object)

1. to rob of goods or valuables by open force, as in war, hostile raids, brigandage, etc.:

   to plunder a town.

   Synonyms: devastate, sack, rape, ravage

2. to rob, despoil, or fleece:

   to plunder the public treasury.

3. to take wrongfully, as by pillage, robbery, or fraud:

   to plunder a piece of property.

verb (used without object)

1. to take plunder; pillage.

noun

1. plundering, pillage, or spoliation.

   Synonyms: rapine, robbery

2. that which is taken in plundering; loot.

   Synonyms: spoils, booty

3. anything taken by robbery, theft, or fraud.

plunder

/ ˈplʌndə /

verb

1. to steal (valuables, goods, sacred items, etc) from (a town, church, etc) by force, esp in time of war; loot
2. tr to rob or steal (choice or desirable things) from (a place)

   to plunder an orchard

noun

1. anything taken by plundering or theft; booty
2. the act of plundering; pillage

Derived Forms

• ˈplunderous, adjective
• ˈplunderer, noun
• ˈplunderable, adjective

Other Words From

• plunder·a·ble adjective
• plunder·er noun
• plunder·ing·ly adverb
• plunder·ous adjective
• un·plundered adjective
• un·plunder·ous adjective
• un·plunder·ous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of plunder¹

First recorded in 1620–30, plunder is from the Dutch word plunderen

Word History and Origins

Origin of plunder¹

C17: probably from Dutch plunderen (originally: to plunder household goods); compare Middle High German plunder bedding, household goods

Example Sentences

The plundering of healthcare institutions by private equity investors could pick up steam.

From Los Angeles Times

Corcoran’s chief anxiety was a Democratic uprising: a Trump victory, she said, would lead people in the cities to pillage and plunder.

From Los Angeles Times

The county’s lawsuit accuses Viet America Society executives of “brazenly” plundering taxpayer money meant to feed needy seniors during the pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times

On 17 January 2022, he wrote: "The only thing we should fear is that we will surrender our homeland to be plundered by a gang of liars, thieves, and hypocrites."

From BBC

They argue that it is not Spanish treasure because it was plundered by the Spanish from mines in the Andes during the colonial period.

From BBC

Related Words

• pillage