Pillage: meaning, definitions and examples

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pillage

[ˈpɪlɪdʒ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

warfare

To rob (a place) using violence, especially in wartime. Pillaging often involves looting, destroying property, and causing harm to people.

Synonyms

loot, plunder, ravage, sack.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pillage	Used mainly in historical or medieval contexts to describe the act of violently stealing goods, usually during wartime or conflict. The invaders pillaged the village, taking everything of value and burning what remained
plunder	Similar to 'pillage', often used in historical or adventurous contexts to describe taking goods by force during warfare or pirate attacks. The pirates plundered the coastal town, leaving nothing behind
loot	Common in both historical and modern contexts, typically used to describe stealing or taking goods, often after a natural disaster, war, or during riots. The looters took advantage of the chaos after the hurricane to steal from abandoned shops
ravage	Used to describe destruction or damaging something severely, not necessarily stealing. Often used in relation to damage caused by natural forces or warfare. The hurricane ravaged the coastal city, leaving thousands homeless
sack	Typically used in a historical context to describe the act of attacking and looting a city or settlement. The army sacked the ancient city, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake

Examples of usage

They pillaged the village, taking everything of value.
The invaders pillaged the town, leaving destruction in their wake.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

history

The act of pillaging, especially in the context of historical events such as wars and conquests.

Synonyms

plundering, ravaging, sacking.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pillage	Describes the act of violently taking goods, especially during war or conflict. It's often associated with historical battles. The invading soldiers began to pillage the village, leaving nothing behind. In the chaos of the battle, there was widespread pillaging of homes and shops.
plundering	Typically used to refer to stealing, especially in large quantities, during war, conflict, or rebellion. It can have a slightly broader application than pillage. The pirates were known for their plundering of coastal towns. The army's plundering lasted for days, leaving the city in ruins.
ravaging	Focuses more on the destruction itself rather than just stealing. Used to describe widespread damage and ruin, typically during conflicts or natural disasters. The hurricane ravaged the entire coastline, leaving devastation in its wake. The war ravaged the land, with both cities and countryside left in ruin.
sacking	Refers specifically to the act of looting and destroying a city or town, usually during war. It's commonly used in historical or military contexts. The enemy forces spent the night sacking the city, taking treasures and setting buildings on fire. The sacking of Rome in 410 AD was a significant event in the history of the city.

Examples of usage

The pillage of the city was a brutal episode in the region's history.
The soldiers engaged in pillage after capturing the enemy stronghold.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word comes from the Latin 'pillage,' which means to plunder or loot, showing its long history.
Pillaging was common during ancient wars, where soldiers would take resources from enemies to weaken them.
The Vikings were famous for pillaging coastal villages, impacting trade and settlement patterns in Europe.

Cultural Impact

Pillaging is often depicted in movies and books, portraying warriors as fierce and savage.
It is a central theme in many historical narratives, showcasing the harsh realities of conflicts throughout history.
In literature, pillage is used to illustrate loss, survival, and the darker sides of human nature.

Legal Aspect

Modern laws classify pillaging as a war crime under international law, emphasizing the need for protection of civilian property.
During wartime, pillaging can lead to severe consequences for the perpetrators, including prosecution.
The 1907 Hague Convention addressed pillaging, setting rules to limit the destruction and theft of property in conflicts.

Psychological Effects

The act of pillaging is often linked to frustration and aggression, reflecting a breakdown of societal norms during conflicts.
Witnessing or experiencing pillaging can lead to long-term trauma and fear in affected communities.
Studies show that people involved in pillaging often justify their actions as survival tactics in desperate situations.

Gaming and Entertainment

Pillaging is a common gameplay element in video games, where players often raid or loot to build their resources.
Many board games involve strategies that simulate pillaging, allowing players to experience tactics without real-world consequences.
In popular culture, characters that pillage are often portrayed as anti-heroes, complicating viewers' feelings towards them.

Translations

Translations of the word "pillage" in other languages:

🇵🇹 saquear

🇮🇳 लूटना

🇩🇪 plündern

🇮🇩 menjarah

🇺🇦 грабувати

🇵🇱 plądrować

🇯🇵 略奪する (ryakudatsu suru)

🇫🇷 piller

🇪🇸 saquear

🇹🇷 yağmalamak

🇰🇷 약탈하다 (yaktalhada)

🇸🇦 نهب (nahb)

🇨🇿 plenit

🇸🇰 plieniť

🇨🇳 抢劫 (qiǎngjié)

🇸🇮 ropati

🇮🇸 ræna

🇰🇿 тонау

🇬🇪 ძარცვა

🇦🇿 talamaq

🇲🇽 saquear

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,147, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.

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21144 sacrum
21145 paddock
21146 noose
21147 pillage
21148 yawn
21149 auricular
21150 disobedient
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