depredation

[ dep-ri-dey-shuhn ]

/ ˌdɛp rɪˈdeɪ ʃən /

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noun

the act of preying upon or plundering; robbery; ravage.

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“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

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Origin of depredation

1475–85; <Late Latin dēpraedātiōn- (stem of dēpraedātiō) a plundering, equivalent to dēpraedāt(us) (see depredate) + -iōn--ion

OTHER WORDS FROM depredation

dep·re·da·tion·ist, noun

Words nearby depredation

depreciable, depreciate, depreciation, depreciatory, depredate, depredation, depress, depressant, depressed, depressed area, depressed skull fracture

How to use depredation in a sentence

In his speech, he mentioned the Yosemite precedent and argued that federal control of Yellowstone would not tread on settler rights—rather, it would preserve the remarkable features of this region and protect them from depredations.
The Big Business Politics Behind the Formation of Yellowstone National Park|Megan Kate Nelson|March 1, 2022|Time
Human-bear conflicts, which include anything from property damage, human food raids, livestock depredation, and, yes, attacks, increase in areas where bears are expanding their range, says van Manen.
Bear Attack Fatalities Are Up This Year. Is it a Trend, or Just a Coincidence?|syadron|August 1, 2021|Outside Online
The only other predator found was raccoons, which made up for 22 to 28 percent of nest depredation.
Four wild animals that are thriving in cities|By Ryan Chelius/Outdoor Life|February 9, 2021|Popular-Science
The force thus put together was, however, calculated only for depredation, and never became equal to any essential service.
The Loyalists of America and Their Times, Vol. 1 of 2|Egerton Ryerson

The manner in which the burglary was effected leaves little doubt that the depredation was committed by the same gang of thieves.
The King's Post|R. C. Tombs
Luther proposes remedies for all these evils, and energetically arouses the German nobility to put an end to Roman depredation.
History of the Reformation in the Sixteenth Century, Vol 2|J. H. Merle D'Aubign
Were gentlemen willing to submit to this: to raise the embargo, and subject our trade to this depredation?
Abridgement of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856 (4 of 16 vol.)|Various
Are they prepared to say the embargo shall be raised, while our commerce is subjected to this kind of depredation?
Abridgement of the Debates of Congress, from 1789 to 1856 (4 of 16 vol.)|Various

British Dictionary definitions for depredation

depredation

/ (ˌdɛprɪˈdeɪʃən) /

noun

the act or an instance of plundering; robbery; pillage

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

depredation

Origin of depredation

OTHER WORDS FROM depredation

Words nearby depredation

Words related to depredation

How to use depredation in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for depredation