rapine
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of rapine
1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin rapīna robbery, pillage. See rape 1, -ine 2
Explanation
Use the noun rapine when you're talking about the deliberate destruction of a town or country during war, especially when it involves theft. Unfortunately, rapine is a part of most warfare — invading troops destroying buildings and homes as they advance, taking whatever they choose. It's more commonly called plunder or pillage, with rapine being used most often in a literary context. The Latin root is rapina, "act of robbery," which in turn comes from rapere, "seize" or "carry off."
Vocabulary lists containing rapine
"The Odyssey" by Homer, Books 1–7
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Paradise Lost
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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.
Rapine was put in position to win the game by Naeher, who made the decisive save on Martens’ attempt during the game, then added two more stops in the shootout.
From Seattle Times • Jul. 31, 2021
Rapine said conversation about the event inside her cafe was mixed.
From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2013
“It’s going to be a nightmare for me to get my produce and dry goods delivered,” Rapine said.
From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2013
Kate Rapine owns Pepper’s Cafe on Haverford Road, less than half a mile from Merion.
From New York Times • Jun. 1, 2013
In vain doth Valour bleed While Avarice, & Rapine share the land.
From Characters from 17th Century Histories and Chronicles by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
