Rapacity: meaning, definitions and examples

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rapacity

 

[ rəˈpasədē ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

greed for wealth

Rapacity refers to an extreme greed for wealth or material possessions. It is the insatiable desire to accumulate more and more resources, often at the expense of others. This term is commonly used to describe individuals or entities who prioritize their own financial gain above all else.

Synonyms

acquisitiveness, avarice, covetousness, greed

Examples of usage

  • His rapacity knew no bounds, as he exploited the vulnerable for personal profit.
  • The rapacity of the corporation led to environmental destruction and social inequality.

Translations

Translations of the word "rapacity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 rapacidade

🇮🇳 लालच

🇩🇪 Gier

🇮🇩 keserakahan

🇺🇦 жадібність

🇵🇱 chciwość

🇯🇵 貪欲 (どんよく)

🇫🇷 avidité

🇪🇸 rapacidad

🇹🇷 açgözlülük

🇰🇷 탐욕 (tam-yok)

🇸🇦 جشع

🇨🇿 chamtivost

🇸🇰 chamtivosť

🇨🇳 贪婪 (tān lán)

🇸🇮 pohlep

🇮🇸 græðgi

🇰🇿 ашкөздік

🇬🇪 ხარბობა

🇦🇿 acgözlülük

🇲🇽 rapacidad

Etymology

The word 'rapacity' originates from the Latin word 'rapacitas', which means 'greed' or 'ravenousness'. It has been used in English since the early 17th century to describe the excessive desire for wealth or possessions. The concept of rapacity has been a recurring theme in literature and philosophy, often serving as a cautionary tale against the destructive consequences of unchecked greed.

See also: rape.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,644, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.