Looting Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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looting

[ˈluːtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

during a riot

The act of stealing goods from a store or property, typically during a riot or civil unrest. Looting often involves breaking into a store or building and taking items by force.

Synonyms

pillaging, plundering, robbery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
looting	Typically used to describe the theft of items during chaotic situations such as natural disasters, wars, or civil disturbances. It often highlights the opportunistic nature of the act. During the hurricane, people were looting stores for food and water. The looting started after the protests turned violent.
plundering	Similar to pillaging, but can also be used in more formal or literary contexts. It implies systematic and large-scale theft, often by military forces. The invaders were notorious for plundering the treasures of conquered cities. The historical novel describes the plundering of the royal palace in great detail.
pillaging	Often used in historical or fictional contexts to describe the violent theft of goods, usually by armed forces or invaders. It has a more aggressive and destructive connotation. The medieval army was known for pillaging villages and taking everything of value. The pirates pillaged the coastal towns leaving nothing but ruins.
robbery	Used to describe the act of taking something from someone or a place using force or threats. It's often used in everyday situations involving theft. He was arrested for a bank robbery. The convenience store was the scene of an armed robbery last night.

Examples of usage

Looting broke out in the city after the protest turned violent.
During the hurricane, there was widespread looting as people tried to take advantage of the chaos.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

during a natural disaster

To steal goods from a store or property, especially during a natural disaster or emergency situation. Looting can result in property damage and violence.

Synonyms

pillage, plunder, steal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
looting	Typically used when people take goods illegally, especially during unrest or a disaster. Often implies chaotic or opportunistic actions. During the riots, many stores were subject to looting. The hurricane left the city vulnerable to widespread looting.
steal	A general term for taking something that isn't yours, without permission. Can be used in various situations, from minor theft to serious crime. He tried to steal a car. Someone stole my wallet while I was at the park.
plunder	Often used to describe the action of stealing goods, especially during times of war or conflict. It implies taking valuable items. The pirates plundered the ship for its treasure. The soldiers plundered the conquered city.
pillage	Commonly used in historical or wartime contexts where villages or towns are attacked and robbed violently. Often involves destruction. The invaders pillaged the village, leaving nothing behind. Medieval armies would often pillage towns they conquered.

Examples of usage

The group of people looted the grocery store after the earthquake struck.
Residents were arrested for looting homes during the wildfire evacuation.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'looting'

The word 'looting' originated from the Hindi word 'lut' meaning 'rob'. It first appeared in English in the early 19th century. Looting has been a common practice throughout history during times of war, civil unrest, and natural disasters.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,848, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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19845 meditative
19846 obverse
19847 unchangeable
19848 looting
19849 weaponry
19850 sheaf
19851 ironing
...