Marauding Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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marauding

[məˈrɔːdɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

aggressive behavior

Roaming in search of things to steal or people to attack, typically in a raiding manner. Marauding often involves violence and destruction.

Synonyms

looting, pillage, raiding.

Examples of usage

  • The marauding gang terrorized the villagers, stealing their belongings and causing chaos.
  • After the hurricane, looters were marauding through the city, taking advantage of the chaos.
Context #2 | Noun

violent behavior

The act of engaging in a series of raids or attacks, especially with the intent of causing harm or destruction. Marauding can refer to both individual actions or organized group activities.

Synonyms

looting, pillage, raiding.

Examples of usage

  • The marauding of the barbarian tribes was a constant threat to the Roman Empire.
  • The marauding of the rebels led to widespread destruction in the region.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Throughout history, marauding groups like Vikings raided coastal towns in search of wealth.
  • During the Middle Ages, marauding knights would pillage villages as part of their conquests.
  • The term often refers to the behaviors of certain groups during wars, when chaos allows for looting.

Literature

  • In classic literature, marauders are often depicted as the antagonists, bringing fear and conflict.
  • Authors like Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck have portrayed characters who embody marauding traits in search of survival.
  • The concept of marauding appears as a metaphor in many novels, representing greed and chaos.

Modern Usage

  • In contemporary media, 'marauding' can describe not just physical theft, but also behaviors like cyber raiding.
  • Video games often feature marauding characters as villains who disrupt peace in various quests.
  • The term also appears in news stories that report on gang violence and raids in urban settings.

Psychological Aspect

  • The behavior associated with marauding can be examined through the lens of social psychology regarding power dynamics.
  • Motivations behind marauding can include desperation, survival instincts, or a desire for power over others.
  • Studies in group behavior show how marauding groups can exhibit mob mentality, losing individual ethical standards.

Origin of 'marauding'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the French verb 'marauder', which means 'to roam' or 'to plunder'.
  • Originally related to hunting or foraging in the wild, it evolved to mean stealing.
  • In the 17th century, it began to be associated more specifically with stealing or pillaging.

The word 'marauding' originated from the Middle French word 'marauder', meaning 'to raid' or 'to plunder'. It first appeared in the English language in the late 17th century. The concept of marauding has been historically associated with warfare, piracy, and banditry, where individuals or groups engage in aggressive and predatory behavior to acquire resources or exert power.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,899, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.