Pillage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pillage
[ˈpɪlɪdʒ ]
Definitions
warfare
To rob (a place) using violence, especially in wartime. Pillaging often involves looting, destroying property, and causing harm to people.
Synonyms
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.
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| plunder |
Similar to 'pillage', often used in historical or adventurous contexts to describe taking goods by force during warfare or pirate attacks.
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| 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.
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| ravage |
Used to describe destruction or damaging something severely, not necessarily stealing. Often used in relation to damage caused by natural forces or warfare.
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| sack |
Typically used in a historical context to describe the act of attacking and looting a city or settlement.
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Examples of usage
- They pillaged the village, taking everything of value.
- The invaders pillaged the town, leaving destruction in their wake.
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.
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| 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.
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| ravaging |
Focuses more on the destruction itself rather than just stealing. Used to describe widespread damage and ruin, typically during conflicts or natural disasters.
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| 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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'pillage'
The word 'pillage' originated from the Middle English word 'pilage', which in turn came from the Old French 'pillage' meaning 'plunder'. The concept of pillaging has been present throughout human history, often associated with warfare and conquest. Pillage has been a common practice in ancient civilizations as well as in more recent history, where armies would ransack and loot cities as a means of conquest and domination.
See also: pillaging.