Plundered: meaning, definitions and examples

Historical Origins

• The word comes from the German 'plündern', meaning 'to plunder' or 'to rob'.
• It has been used in literature since the 16th century to describe the act of stealing during wars or conflicts.

Cultural Context

• Different cultures associated plundering with war and conquest, often seen in ancient empires like the Romans or Mongols.
• Pirates in the Caribbean famously plundered ships for gold and treasures, leading to an entire genre of adventure stories.

Literature

• In Shakespeare’s plays, themes of plunder and betrayal appear frequently, highlighting human greed.
• Many classic novels depict the consequences of plundering, showing how it affects both the looters and the victims.

Economics

• Plundering can lead to significant economic impact on communities, leading to long-term poverty and instability.
• The term is also used metaphorically in discussions about corporate practices, where companies might 'plunder' resources from less developed nations.

Psychology

• Psychological studies show that individuals might justify plundering as a means of survival or gaining power.
• The act often involves moral dilemmas, where people weigh the benefits against the ethical considerations of their actions.

With rank #15,139, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 15136 lettering
• 15137 benefiting
• 15138 insider
• 15139 plundered
• 15140 guts
• 15141 masking
• 15142 neutralize
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