ransack

[ ran-sak ]

verb (used with object)

1. to search thoroughly or vigorously through (a house, receptacle, etc.):

   They ransacked the house for the missing letter.

2. to search through for plunder; pillage:

   The enemy ransacked the entire town.

ransack

/ ˈrænsæk /

verb

1. to search through every part of (a house, box, etc); examine thoroughly
2. to plunder; pillage

Derived Forms

• ˈransacker, noun

Other Words From

• ransack·er noun
• un·ransacked adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ransack¹

First recorded in 1200–50; Middle English ransaken, from Old Norse rannsaka “to search, examine (for evidence of crime),” equivalent to rann “house” + saka, variant of sœkja “to search;” seek )

Word History and Origins

Origin of ransack¹

C13: from Old Norse rann house + saka to search, seek

Example Sentences

Parts of the buildings were ransacked and police arrested 1,500 of the rioters.

From BBC

Overton’s 32 from 21 balls and Archer’s 17-ball 38 helped the visitors ransack 100 in the last 10 overs, including 21 off the final over.

From BBC

But though the home’s master bedroom was ransacked, the assailants never took the hair mogul’s valuable watch on his wrist, piquing the interest of detectives, said then-Robbery Homicide Division Capt. Billy Hayes.

From Los Angeles Times

During a street takeover in Anaheim early Sunday morning, authorities say a mob violently forced its way into a nearby 7-Eleven, ransacked it and assaulted the store clerk.

From Los Angeles Times

Since July, according to the Los Angeles Police Department, a group of 20 to 40 bike-riding boys and teens have ransacked 7-Elevens across the city and county, hitting 14 total.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• comb
• gut
• loot
• pillage
• plunder
• raid
• rob
• scour
• seize
• take away