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Plundered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿดโ€โ˜ ๏ธ
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plundered

[หˆplสŒndษ™rd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

Plundered refers to the act of stealing goods, typically using force or violence, during a time of conflict or chaos. It often implies taking valuable items unlawfully and with brutality.

Synonyms

looted, pillaged, robbed, seized.

Examples of usage

  • The villagers' homes were plundered during the invasion.
  • The pirates plundered the ship and disappeared into the night.
  • Historical accounts describe how the city was plundered by conquering forces.
  • After the earthquake, many went rogue and plundered the abandoned shops.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word comes from the German 'plรผndern', 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 Shakespeareโ€™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.

Origin of 'plundered'

The word 'plunder' originates from the German word 'plรผndern', which means 'to loot, to pillage'. This term gained prominence during the late medieval period, evolving to describe the violent appropriation of goods from towns and cities during wars and conflicts. Historically, plunder has been a common theme in tales of conquest, exemplified by the activities of marauding Vikings, raiders, and armies throughout the centuries. Literature, such as the works of Shakespeare, also reflects the significant role of plunder in human conflict, highlighting the dark consequences of war. Over time, the term has expanded beyond its original military connotations, being applied in broader contexts, such as economic exploitation and illicit acquisition of resources.

Word Frequency Rank

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