Pillaging: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in historical or literary contexts to describe large-scale theft and destruction during wars or invasions. This word often carries a sense of violence and lawlessness.

• The invading army left behind a trail of pillaging and destruction.
• Medieval knights were often accused of pillaging villages during their campaigns.

Commonly used to describe the act of stealing during chaos or civil disorder, such as during riots, natural disasters, or in war zones. It often has a negative connotation associated with opportunistic theft.

• After the hurricane, there were numerous reports of looting in the abandoned houses.
• Rioters were arrested for looting stores in the downtown area.

Can be used similarly to 'pillaging', often in historical or nautical contexts, to describe the act of taking goods by force, especially during wartime. This word often evokes images of pirates or conquering armies.

• Vikings were notorious for plundering coastal towns.
• The soldiers engaged in plundering the defeated city's treasures.

Used to describe a sudden attack or incursion into an area, typically to achieve a specific goal such as stealing goods or capturing people. It can be used in both historical and modern contexts, including military, police actions, or even in more benign situations like sports or competitions.

• The police conducted a raid on the suspected drug den.
• Nomadic tribes were known for raiding settlements and taking livestock.

Used to describe violent theft during wartime or conflict, typically by soldiers or invaders. It often has a sense of aggression and destruction.

• The medieval army was notorious for pillaging villages along its path.
• During the chaos of the uprising, many homes were left devastated by pillaging.

Refers to the act of stealing goods during a time of destruction, such as during riots, natural disasters, or war. Often associated with large groups of people taking advantage of lawlessness.

• After the hurricane, there were multiple reports of looting in the affected areas.
• The protesters turned violent, and soon the stores were being looted.

This often implies extensive and systematic robbery, typically by a group of people, and can be used to describe both historical and modern contexts involving a large-scale theft.

• The Vikings were infamous for plundering towns along the coast.
• The invading forces plundered the city's wealth and artifacts.

Typically used in historical contexts to describe the destruction and looting of a city by an invading army. It implies both theft and demolition.

• The fall of Rome included the sacking of the city by the barbarian tribes.
• The medieval castle couldn't withstand the sacking by the enemy forces.