ransack
verb (used with object)
to search thoroughly or vigorously through (a house, receptacle, etc.).
had ransacked
-
past perfectof ransack.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Compared with other campuses, where protesters had ransacked buildings and hunkered down in encampments, George Mason had been relatively quiet over the past year, he said.
From Salon ● Jul. 14, 2025
According to the police statement, Garcia had ransacked the inside of the mission and was booked on vandalism charges.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 27, 2023
Then there was McCarthy, questioned by reporters just outside the speaker’s office, which the supposedly “peaceful” insurrectionists had ransacked that terrible day.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 10, 2023
He said that invading forces had ransacked his offices, exiling his team to another location where they are attempting to continue running their city.
From BBC ● Mar. 12, 2022
Before dinner they had ransacked the other downstairs rooms for comfortable chairs and lamps, and now their little parlor was easily the pleasantest room in the house.
From "The Haunting of Hill House" by Shirley Jackson
