despoliation

[ dih-spoh-lee-ey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of plundering.
2. the fact or circumstance of being plundered.

despoliation

/ dɪˌspəʊlɪˈeɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of despoiling; plunder or pillage
2. the state of being despoiled

Word History and Origins

Origin of despoliation¹

1650–60; < Late Latin dēspoliātiōn- (stem of dēspoliātiō ), equivalent to Latin dēspoliāt ( us ) (past participle of dēspoliāre; despoil ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Whenever we can appropriate without despoliation or loss, or without a damaging monopoly, we tie the people to the backgrounds.

From Project Gutenberg

Without this natural protection it became a land subject to constant attack and despoliation.

From Project Gutenberg

Then came war, despoliation, and a thrilling period of wandering.

From Project Gutenberg

Antoine de Vergy had done the work of despoliation thoroughly.

From Project Gutenberg

Besides this was the home of a prominent loyalist, protected from despoliation by high authority.

From Project Gutenberg