despoil

[ dih-spoil ]

verb (used with object)

1. to strip of possessions, things of value, etc.; rob; plunder; pillage.

   Synonyms: fleece, sack, rifle, divest, dispossess

despoil

/ dɪˈspɔɪl /

verb

1. tr to strip or deprive by force; plunder; rob; loot

Derived Forms

• deˈspoilment, noun
• deˈspoiler, noun

Other Words From

• de·spoiler noun
• de·spoilment noun
• unde·spoiled adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of despoil¹

1175–1225; Middle English despoilen < Old French despoillier < Latin dēspoliāre to strip, rob, plunder, equivalent to dē- de- + spoliāre to plunder; spoil

Word History and Origins

Origin of despoil¹

C13: from Old French despoillier, from Latin dēspoliāre, from de- + spoliāre to rob (esp of clothing); see spoil

Example Sentences

As the buses idle in traffic, they despoil our residential neighborhoods with noise and toxic soot.

From Time

So I called Bergman and said, “Do you mind if I despoil your script?”

From The Daily Beast

The impression is left that this project would despoil a virginal natural landscape.

From The Daily Beast

Still, I did not relinquish my pious purpose to despoil that public treasury Egyptian quoted heretofore.

From Project Gutenberg

Time was precious; he therefore hastened to despoil his victim, in whose vestments he clothed himself.

From Project Gutenberg

This was when, at some moment of leisure, he contrived to find time to despoil himself of his exuvia.

From Project Gutenberg

His name is used to bamboozle the people, to despoil them, and to make them patient asses under their burdens.

From Project Gutenberg

Even in times of war, neither Jew nor Mohammedan ventures to despoil and profane the sepulchre of Ezekiel.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• denude
• depopulate