Despoiler: meaning, definitions and examples
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despoiler
[ dɪˈspɔɪlər ]
theft, destruction
A despoiler is someone who robs, plunders, or vandalizes a place or object. This term often carries a connotation of causing not just theft but also destruction or desecration. Despoilers are typically associated with acts that demonstrate a disregard for the value or sanctity of the items they are taking or destroying. The term can apply to various contexts, including historical artifacts, natural resources, or even cultural heritage sites.
Synonyms
looter, plunderer, robber, vandal
Examples of usage
- The despoiler left the museum in ruins after the heist.
- Archaeologists warn that despoilers are damaging ancient sites.
- The despoiler looted the temple, taking sacred items.
- Environmental despoilers strip the land of its natural beauty.
Translations
Translations of the word "despoiler" in other languages:
🇵🇹 despoilador
🇮🇳 लूटने वाला
🇩🇪 Plünderer
🇮🇩 perampok
🇺🇦 грабіжник
🇵🇱 grabieżca
🇯🇵 略奪者
🇫🇷 pilleur
🇪🇸 saqueador
🇹🇷 yağmacı
🇰🇷 약탈자
🇸🇦 لص
🇨🇿 lupič
🇸🇰 lúpežník
🇨🇳 掠夺者
🇸🇮 ropar
🇮🇸 rændari
🇰🇿 тонаушы
🇬🇪 გლეხი
🇦🇿 qarətçi
🇲🇽 saqueador
Etymology
The term 'despoiler' originates from the Latin word 'despoliare', which means 'to strip or rob'. This Latin verb is composed of the prefix 'de-' indicating removal, and 'spoliare', meaning to strip or rob. The usage of 'despoiler' in English began appearing around the 15th century and evolved to signify those who not only take valuable possessions but also damage or ruin what they encounter in the process. In literature, the despoiler archetype has often been used to illustrate the moral decay of societies or an individual's descent into corruption. It reflects a broader theme of exploitation and loss, serving as a cautionary tale against greed and the disregard for cultural or ecological treasures.