plunder

[pluhn-der]

verb (used with object)

1. to rob of goods or valuables by open force, as in war, hostile raids, brigandage, etc..

   to plunder a town.

   Synonyms: devastate, sack, ravage, rape

2. to rob, despoil, or fleece.

   to plunder the public treasury.

3. to take wrongfully, as by pillage, robbery, or fraud.

   to plunder a piece of property.

verb (used without object)

1. to take plunder; pillage.

noun

1. plundering, pillage, or spoliation.

   Synonyms: robbery, rapine

2. that which is taken in plundering; loot.

   Synonyms: spoils, booty, booty

3. anything taken by robbery, theft, or fraud.

plunder

/ ˈplʌndə /

verb

1. to steal (valuables, goods, sacred items, etc) from (a town, church, etc) by force, esp in time of war; loot

2. (tr) to rob or steal (choice or desirable things) from (a place)

   to plunder an orchard

noun

1. anything taken by plundering or theft; booty

2. the act of plundering; pillage

Other Word Forms

• plunderable adjective
• plunderer noun
• plunderingly adverb
• plunderous adjective
• unplundered adjective
• unplunderous adjective
• unplunderously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of plunder¹

First recorded in 1620–30, plunder is from the Dutch word plunderen

Word History and Origins

Origin of plunder¹

C17: probably from Dutch plunderen (originally: to plunder household goods); compare Middle High German plunder bedding, household goods

Example Sentences

The 36-year-old, who will be captain in Perth, has plundered 18 of his 36 Test tons on home soil, averaging a formidable 59.70.

Read more on Barron's

The vast plunder meant fresh supplies and financial rewards for his soldiers.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The wonderful century also saw the plunder of the Earth’s resources, suffering in urban slums and humanitarian catastrophe in Europe’s colonies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

A special graft court dismissed the plunder, or massive corruption, charges against Enrile last year, and last month acquitted him of the remaining graft cases against him as well.

Read more on Barron's

Tessa sees it as a mission, one of dozens that involve the company colonizing planets and stripping their resources, justifying that plunder as necessary to benefit mankind.

Read more on Salon

Related Words

• devastate 
• liberate 
• loot 
• pillage 
• ransack 
• requisition 
• rob 
• salvage