Loot: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

• The burglars made off with a significant amount of loot from the jewelry store.
• After the hurricane, looters targeted abandoned homes and stores.

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.

• The soldiers divided the spoils of war amongst themselves.
• The spoils of their business venture included a lucrative contract and a bonus.

Plunder usually refers to goods taken by force, especially in contexts of war, conflict, or raids, and often has a negative connotation.

• The invaders plundered the village, taking everything of value.
• Historical accounts detail the plunder of ancient cities by conquering armies.

Booty typically refers to treasure or goods taken by force, especially during war or piracy. It has a somewhat adventurous or historical connotation.

• The pirates split the booty among themselves after looting the ship.
• Legends spoke of hidden booty buried by the infamous pirate.

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.

• During the riot, several stores were looted.
• The soldiers looted the ancient temple.

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.

• The invaders pillaged the village, leaving nothing behind.
• Medieval armies often pillaged towns they conquered.

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.

• He was robbed at gunpoint while walking home.
• The bank was robbed last night by a masked man.

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.

• The pirates staged a raid on the coastal town.
• The police conducted a raid on the drug dealer's house.