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Plundering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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plundering

[หˆplสŒndษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

act of stealing

Plundering refers to the act of stealing goods or valuables, typically by force or during a time of chaos. It involves taking possessions that do not belong to you without permission.

Synonyms

looting, pillage, robbery.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plundering

Typically used in historical or military contexts to describe the act of taking goods by force, especially during wars or invasions.

  • The invaders were notorious for their plundering of villages.
  • The army was accused of plundering the city's treasures.
looting

Commonly used in situations of civil unrest, natural disasters, or mass chaos where people take goods from shops or homes, often illegally.

  • There was widespread looting after the hurricane.
  • The protesters condemned the violence and looting.
pillage

Often related to historical conflicts, referring to the violent stealing of property, especially when accompanied by destruction.

  • The medieval warlords engaged in widespread pillage.
  • The soldiers were ordered to avoid pillage of the conquered town.
robbery

Used to describe the crime of taking money or goods from a person or place, typically using force or threats.

  • He was arrested for the robbery of the bank.
  • The convenience store was the target of a late-night robbery.

Examples of usage

  • During the war, there was widespread plundering of homes and businesses.
  • The plundering of the museum resulted in the loss of priceless artifacts.
Context #2 | Verb

stealing goods forcefully

To plunder means to steal goods or valuables, often in a violent or forceful manner. It is typically associated with taking items by force, especially during times of conflict or chaos.

Synonyms

loot, pillage, rob.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plundering

Plundering is used to describe taking goods by force, especially during war or conflict. It often involves a large-scale or organized attack.

  • The soldiers were accused of plundering villages during the war
  • The invaders left a trail of plundering in their wake
loot

Loot is often used to describe stealing during chaos, such as riots, wars, or natural disasters. It can also refer to the stolen items themselves.

  • After the earthquake, the store was looted
  • The thieves made off with a large amount of loot
pillage

Pillage is similar to plundering and is used to describe the act of violently robbing a place, especially during war. It has a historical connotation.

  • The marauders pillaged the city, taking whatever they could carry
  • History books often describe the pillage of ancient towns
rob

Rob is used to describe taking property illegally, often with force or threat, and applies more to individual or smaller scale theft compared to plundering or pillage.

  • The bank was robbed at gunpoint
  • She felt unsafe after being robbed on the street

Examples of usage

  • The invaders plundered the village, taking anything of value.
  • The pirate ship was known for plundering other vessels.

Translations

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

Origin of 'plundering'

The word 'plundering' has its origins in the Middle English word 'plondren', which came from the Old French 'pilundrer', meaning 'to plunder'. The concept of plundering has existed throughout human history, often associated with warfare, piracy, and other forms of conflict where goods are taken by force.

See also: plunderer.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,313, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.