Loot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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loot
[luːt ]
Definitions
in gaming
Goods or money obtained illegally.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| loot |
Loot is often used to describe goods stolen during wartime, rioting, or after a disaster. It can also casually refer to valuable items or money gained, especially illicitly.
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| spoils |
Spoils refers to goods or benefits taken from others, especially during or after conflict. It can also refer to advantages gained from a victory or successful effort.
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| plunder |
Plunder usually refers to goods taken by force, especially in contexts of war, conflict, or raids, and often has a negative connotation.
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| booty |
Booty typically refers to treasure or goods taken by force, especially during war or piracy. It has a somewhat adventurous or historical connotation.
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Examples of usage
- Loot boxes are a controversial topic in the gaming industry.
- The players were excited to find valuable loot in the dungeon.
in gaming
To steal goods or money from (an enemy).
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| loot |
Often used when talking about stealing goods, typically during or after chaos like a war or natural disaster. It implies taking valuable items in a disorderly situation.
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| pillage |
Used in historical or wartime contexts when referring to the act of violently stealing from a place, often accompanied by destruction. It conveys a sense of brutality.
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| rob |
Commonly used in everyday language to talk about taking money or property from a place or person forcibly or by threat. Can apply to individuals or establishments.
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| raid |
Describes a quick attack with the intent of causing damage or stealing something. Used in military or law enforcement contexts, but can also describe any sudden, aggressive attempt.
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Examples of usage
- The thieves looted the treasure chest before anyone could stop them.
- The raiding party managed to loot the entire village.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Context
- Throughout history, loot has been associated with war, where conquering armies would take valuables from the defeated.
- During the sack of cities, such as Rome in ancient times, looting was a common practice, often leading to significant loss for the locals.
- Looting is also frequently depicted in films and books related to treasure hunting and heists, solidifying its adventurous image.
Pop Culture
- In video games, 'loot' refers to items players collect, especially after defeating opponents or completing quests.
- Popular TV shows and movies often feature characters who engage in looting, particularly in post-apocalyptic scenarios, adding to the suspense and drama.
- The 'loot box' concept in gaming mimics real-life treasure finding, allowing players to find random rewards, often making it controversial.
Psychology
- Looting can trigger feelings of excitement and risk, often appealing to those drawn to adventure and rebellion.
- Research indicates that individuals may see looting as a thrilling experience, particularly in chaotic environments.
- The act of looting can elicit strong moral debates about ethics and legality, reflecting deeper societal issues.
Literature
- Loot, as a theme, appears in classic literature, often symbolizing greed, moral dilemmas, and the impact of wealth on human behavior.
- Authors like Charles Dickens have explored the morality behind stealing, depicting characters caught between necessity and ethics.
- In contemporary literature, looting tends to characterize dystopian narratives, reflecting societal collapse and survival instincts.
Origin of 'loot'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'loot' comes from the Hindi word 'lut,' which means to plunder or to steal.
- It was popularized in English during the British colonial period in India, specifically in the 19th century.
- In the 1880s, it started to appear in adventure literature, often linked to treasure hunts and pirates.
The word 'loot' originated from the Hindi word 'lut', meaning 'booty' or 'spoils'. It was first used in English in the mid-19th century to describe goods taken by force, especially in the context of military conquests. Over time, the term expanded to include goods or money obtained through illegal means, such as theft or robbery.