despoil
verb (used with object)
to strip of possessions, things of value, etc.; rob; plunder; pillage.
was despoiling
-
past progressiveof despoil.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
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.
Frazier was also highly infuriated that the ostentation of the Ohtas' $250,000 hilltop house was despoiling nature.
From Time Magazine Archive
Within a short time, word came from Granville’s father that “Old Reelfoot” was despoiling his orchard.
From Our Southern Highlanders by Horace Kephart
The teacher was despoiling the tree of its pop-corn festoons and tossing them gaily about.
From The Biography of a Prairie Girl by Eleanor Gates
Instead of aiding the Devil, he was despoiling him.
From The Gospel of Luke, An Exposition by Charles Rosenbury Erdman
He stole a glance at her; at the loving light that shone in her bright blue eyes; at the soft glow, red as the carnation she was despoiling, on her conscious cheek.
From Mildred Arkell, Volume II (of 3) A Novel by Mrs. Henry Wood
