Marauders Meaning: Definition and Examples
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marauders
[məˈrɔːdərz ]
Definition
plundering groups
Marauders are individuals or groups who engage in raiding, stealing, or pillaging, often in search of valuable goods or resources. They are typically associated with violence and disruption, targeting vulnerable communities or areas.
Synonyms
bandits, looters, plunderers, raiders, robbers.
Examples of usage
- The marauders descended upon the village at night.
- Historical accounts often depict marauders as ruthless bandits.
- The army was mobilized to combat the marauders threatening the trade routes.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'marauder' comes from the French word 'maraudeur', meaning 'to plunder' or 'to rummage'.
- In history, groups such as Vikings and bandits were often called marauders due to their raiding practices.
- During wartime, many soldiers in different cultures engaged in marauding as a strategy to weaken enemy resources.
Pop Culture
- In movies and video games, marauders are often depicted as rogue characters, embodying anti-heroes or villains.
- The term has appeared in popular media like 'Mad Max' and 'Fallout', representing lawless scavengers in a dystopian setting.
- Books and movies about pirates frequently feature marauders as they symbolize adventure and rebellion against authority.
Literature
- In classic literature, marauders often symbolize chaos, representing the breakdown of social order.
- Famous stories, like 'Treasure Island', include marauders as pivotal characters, showcasing themes of greed and survival.
- Marauding is often a plot device in adventure novels, where protagonists face off against lawless groups.
Psychology
- The behavior of marauding can reflect deeper psychological themes of consent and the impact of survival instincts on human behavior.
- Studies suggest that people in desperate conditions may resort to marauding due to a sense of lost societal norms and morals.
- The allure of adventure can drive individuals to romanticize the actions of historical marauders, viewing them through a lens of heroism.
Modern Context
- In contemporary discussions, 'marauders' can refer to cybercriminals who raid data and digital assets online.
- Urban exploration groups sometimes use the term humorously to describe their adventures into abandoned buildings.
- The term is also used figuratively in business, where aggressive competitors are called 'marauders' for their tactics to dominate markets.
Origin of 'marauders'
The term 'marauder' originates from the French word 'marauder', which means 'to rove about and raid for plunder'. It is derived from the verb 'marauder', which is related to 'marauder' deriving from the Latin 'mārandus', meaning 'to tread' or 'to roam'. The usage of the word began to appear in English literature in the 17th century, reflecting the chaotic and violent nature of raids by groups seeking to steal resources. Over time, it has maintained this negative connotation and is often used in historical contexts to describe bandit-like behaviors. The marauders in various historical accounts have characterized not only the vagabonds pillaging towns but also organized bands who threatened trade and civil order during turbulent times.