reave
1[ reev ]
verb (used with object),reaved or reft, reav·ing.Archaic.
to take away by or as by force; plunder; rob.
Origin of reave
1Other definitions for reave (2 of 2)
reave2
[ reev ]
verb (used with or without object),reaved or reft, reav·ing.
Archaic. to rend; break; tear.
Origin of reave
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use reave in a sentence
I have great respect for every man who has assisted in reaving the heavens of an infinite monster.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 12 (of 12) | Robert G. Ingersoll
British Dictionary definitions for reave (1 of 2)
reave1
/ (riːv) /
verbreaves, reaving, reaved or reft (rɛft) archaic
to carry off (property, prisoners, etc) by force
(tr foll by of) to deprive; strip: See also reive
Origin of reave
1Old English reāfian; related to Old High German roubōn to rob, Old Norse raufa to break open
British Dictionary definitions for reave (2 of 2)
reave2
/ (riːv) /
verbreaves, reaving, reaved or reft (rɛft)
archaic to break or tear (something) apart; cleave
Origin of reave
2C13 reven, probably from reave 1 and influenced in meaning by rive
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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