ransack
verb (used with object)
to search thoroughly or vigorously through (a house, receptacle, etc.).
has been ransacking
-
present perfect progressiveof ransack (3rd person singular).present perfect progressive
Used to describe an action that began in the past, has continued continuously, and is still in progress.
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.
Feline thief Gingee, a four-year-old Maine Coon, has been ransacking nearby homes in Buckley, Flintshire.
From BBC ● Sep. 8, 2023
Kittredge has been ransacking the town for him all day, and up to a couple of hours ago he hadn't found him.
From The Honorable Senator Sage-Brush by Francis Lynde
Mrs. Blake, someone has been ransacking Mr. Field's quarters for letters or papers.
From A Daughter of the Sioux A Tale of the Indian frontier by Edwin Willard Deming
The learned doctor has been ransacking all the libraries of the earth to find a certain rare formula, now almost unknown, by which he can control the infernal deities.
From Alarms and Discursions by G. K. (Gilbert Keith) Chesterton
Miss Penelope, we fancy, has been ransacking some old chest of faded finery, and has arrayed herself in the character of "Martha Washington," as painted by Gilbert Stuart.
From Sir Joshua Reynolds A Collection of Fifteen Pictures and a Portrait of the Painter with Introduction and Interpretation by Estelle M. (Estelle May) Hurll
