Piracy: meaning, definitions and examples

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piracy

[ˈpaɪrəsi ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

online

The unauthorized use or reproduction of someone else's work, typically for financial gain.

Synonyms

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
piracy	Typically used in situations involving unauthorized copying or distribution, especially of digital media, like software, music, or movies. It often carries a negative connotation implying a criminal act. Downloading that movie without paying for it is considered piracy. The software company is battling piracy to protect its products.
copyright infringement	Used in legal or formal contexts to describe the violation of someone's copyrighted works, such as music, films, books, or visual art. This term is more technical and often used in legal discussions. The artist sued the company for copyright infringement after they used her song in a commercial without permission. Copyright infringement can result in hefty fines and legal action.
intellectual property theft	Applied in situations involving unauthorized use or theft of someone's inventions, designs, or trade secrets. This term is broader and can cover more than just media; it includes any form of intellectual property. The company faced accusations of intellectual property theft after it was discovered they used patented technology without approval. Startups should be aware of the risks of intellectual property theft when sharing innovative ideas.

Word

Description / Examples

piracy

Typically used in situations involving unauthorized copying or distribution, especially of digital media, like software, music, or movies. It often carries a negative connotation implying a criminal act.

Downloading that movie without paying for it is considered piracy.
The software company is battling piracy to protect its products.

Used in legal or formal contexts to describe the violation of someone's copyrighted works, such as music, films, books, or visual art. This term is more technical and often used in legal discussions.

The artist sued the company for copyright infringement after they used her song in a commercial without permission.
Copyright infringement can result in hefty fines and legal action.

intellectual property theft

Applied in situations involving unauthorized use or theft of someone's inventions, designs, or trade secrets. This term is broader and can cover more than just media; it includes any form of intellectual property.

The company faced accusations of intellectual property theft after it was discovered they used patented technology without approval.
Startups should be aware of the risks of intellectual property theft when sharing innovative ideas.

Examples of usage

Online piracy has become a major issue for the entertainment industry.
The website was shut down for hosting pirated content.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

historical

Robbery or illegal violence at sea.

Synonyms

marauding, plundering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
piracy	This term is commonly used to describe criminal acts at sea, particularly when ships are attacked and robbed by pirates. It can also refer to the illegal copying and distribution of media or software. The ship was a victim of piracy on the open seas. He was arrested for software piracy.
plundering	This word implies the act of stealing goods, often during times of war or chaos, and suggests a level of thoroughness and ruthlessness. It can have historical connotations, linking back to ancient times or warfare. The invaders were known for their plundering of villages. Archaeologists discovered evidence of plundering at the historical site.
marauding	This is often used to describe the act of roaming and raiding, usually in a violent and chaotic manner. It emphasizes the intention to cause disruption or harm. Marauding gangs have been causing havoc in the town. The countryside was terrorized by marauding soldiers.

Word

Description / Examples

piracy

This term is commonly used to describe criminal acts at sea, particularly when ships are attacked and robbed by pirates. It can also refer to the illegal copying and distribution of media or software.

The ship was a victim of piracy on the open seas.
He was arrested for software piracy.

plundering

This word implies the act of stealing goods, often during times of war or chaos, and suggests a level of thoroughness and ruthlessness. It can have historical connotations, linking back to ancient times or warfare.

The invaders were known for their plundering of villages.
Archaeologists discovered evidence of plundering at the historical site.

marauding

This is often used to describe the act of roaming and raiding, usually in a violent and chaotic manner. It emphasizes the intention to cause disruption or harm.

Marauding gangs have been causing havoc in the town.
The countryside was terrorized by marauding soldiers.

Examples of usage

Piracy was a common threat to sailors in the 17th century.
The pirates attacked the merchant ship and stole its cargo.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

general

The practice of attacking and robbing ships at sea.

Synonyms

pirate attacks, sea robbery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
piracy	General term for acts of robbery and criminal violence at sea. Piracy in the Gulf of Aden has decreased in recent years. The movie is set in the golden age of piracy.
sea robbery	Acts of theft and robbery occurring on the sea. It's a more descriptive term and can sound less formal. The fishermen fell victim to sea robbery. Increased sea robbery has caused concern among shipping companies.
pirate attacks	Specific incidents of piracy where ships are attacked. There have been several pirate attacks off the coast this month. The crew was trained to handle pirate attacks effectively.

Word

Description / Examples

piracy

General term for acts of robbery and criminal violence at sea.

Piracy in the Gulf of Aden has decreased in recent years.
The movie is set in the golden age of piracy.

sea robbery

Acts of theft and robbery occurring on the sea. It's a more descriptive term and can sound less formal.

The fishermen fell victim to sea robbery.
Increased sea robbery has caused concern among shipping companies.

pirate attacks

Specific incidents of piracy where ships are attacked.

There have been several pirate attacks off the coast this month.
The crew was trained to handle pirate attacks effectively.

Examples of usage

The navy was sent to combat piracy in the region.
Piracy has been a problem in international waters.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term 'piracy' comes from the Latin word 'pirata,' which means 'to attempt' or 'to try out,' highlighting the adventurous nature of raiders.
Piracy has existed for thousands of years, dating back to ancient civilizations like the Greeks and Romans who faced sea robbers.
During the Golden Age of Piracy in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, famous pirates like Blackbeard became legends.

Literature

Pirates are often romanticized in books and movies, such as 'Treasure Island' by Robert Louis Stevenson, which has shaped public perception.
Stories of pirates often feature adventure, betrayal, and the pursuit of treasure, making them popular in children's literature.
Pirate folklore has led to terms like 'X marks the spot,' commonly associated with treasure maps.

Pop Culture

Pirate-themed characters are staples in films, with Captain Jack Sparrow from 'Pirates of the Caribbean' being one of the most famous.
Video games like 'Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag' immerse players in the life of pirates, blending history with adventure.
Pirate festivals and cosplay events celebrate the lore of piracy, attracting fans who dress up as their favorite buccaneers.

Legal Aspects

Modern piracy includes stealing digital content like movies and music, which is illegal and often prosecuted under copyright laws.
The United Nations has taken measures to combat piracy, especially in regions where it threatens shipping routes, like off the coast of Somalia.
Naval forces from various countries patrol high-risk areas to prevent piracy and protect maritime trade.

Psychology

The allure of piracy often stems from themes of freedom and rebellion, resonating with people seeking adventure outside societal norms.
Pirates are portrayed as anti-heroes, appealing to audiences who enjoy complex characters that challenge authority.
The nostalgia for pirate culture can lead to a fascination with their adventurous lifestyle, despite the negative actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "piracy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pirataria

🇮🇳 समुद्री डकैती

🇩🇪 Piraterie

🇮🇩 pembajakan

🇺🇦 піратство

🇵🇱 piractwo

🇯🇵 海賊行為 (kaizoku kōi)

🇫🇷 piraterie

🇪🇸 piratería

🇹🇷 korsanlık

🇰🇷 해적 행위 (haejeok haengwi)

🇸🇦 القرصنة

🇨🇿 pirátství

🇸🇰 pirátstvo

🇨🇳 海盗行为 (hǎidào xíngwéi)

🇸🇮 piratstvo

🇮🇸 sjórán

🇰🇿 қарақшылық

🇬🇪 მეკობრეობა

🇦🇿 quldurluq

🇲🇽 piratería

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,565, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

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14562 jointed
14563 unsupported
14564 crumbs
14565 piracy
14566 unfairly
14567 globular
14568 intensively
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