spoliation

[ spoh-lee-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or an instance of plundering or despoiling.
2. authorized plundering of neutrals at sea in time of war.
3. Law. the destruction or material alteration of a bill of exchange, will, or the like.
4. the act of spoiling or damaging something.

spoliation

/ ˌspəʊlɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act or an instance of despoiling or plundering
2. the authorized seizure or plundering of neutral vessels on the seas by a belligerent state in time of war
3. law the material alteration of a document so as to render it invalid
4. English ecclesiastical law the taking of the fruits of a benefice by a person not entitled to them

Derived Forms

• ˈspoliatory, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of spoliation¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin spoliātiōn- (stem of spoliātiō ), equivalent to spoliāt ( us ) (past participle of spoliāre to spoil; -ate ¹ ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of spoliation¹

C14: from Latin spoliātiō, from spoliāre to spoil

Example Sentences

The whole history of human civilization was denounced as an unredeemed record of the spoliation of the weak by the strong.

From Project Gutenberg

It was resigned to the Spanish governmental system of spoliation, and no one thought of reforms.

From Project Gutenberg

Having led in the first place to the adornment of their sepulchres, it ultimately caused their destruction and spoliation.

From Project Gutenberg

Before long, however, the acts of violence and the spoliation effected by the decrees of the assembly roused widespread disgust.

From Project Gutenberg

Such a spoliation of the Church had not before taken place in any country of Europe.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• contagion
• corruption
• disease
• epidemic
• infection
• poisoning
• pollution