Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Ransacking Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔍
Add to dictionary

ransacking

[ˈrænˌsækɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

search violently

Ransacking refers to the act of searching through a place in a violent or chaotic manner, often with the intent of theft or finding valuables. This term is commonly used to describe criminal activities where a home or a business is brutally searched and left in disarray. Ransacking can also denote a thorough and messy search for hidden or valuable items. The word typically carries a negative connotation, implying destruction and disorder left in the wake of the search.

Synonyms

looting, pillaging, plundering.

Examples of usage

  • The burglars were ransacking the house for cash.
  • He was ransacking his room looking for the lost keys.
  • The pirates ransacked the coastal village for treasure.

Translations

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

Origin of 'ransacking'

The word 'ransack' originates from the early 15th century, derived from the Middle English term 'ransaken'. This word was formed by combining the prefix 'ran-', which is a variant of 'razen' meaning to 'search', with the suffix '-sack' which was derived from the Old Norse 'sǫkkr', meaning 'to sack or loot'. In its early usage, 'ransacking' described the action of going through something thoroughly, often with the aim of looking for something valuable while causing a significant amount of disorder. Over the centuries, the term has evolved to be closely associated with theft and destruction, particularly in the context of invasions or burglaries.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,035 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.