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plunder

Syllabification: (plun·der)
Pronunciation: /ˈpləndər/
Translate plunder | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of plunder

verb

[with object]
  • steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder:looters moved into the disaster area to plunder stores [no object]:the invaders were back and ready to plunder
  • steal (goods), typically using force and in a time of disorder.
  • take material from (artistic or academic work) for one’s own purposes:we shall plunder related sciences to assist our research

noun

  • the violent and dishonest acquisition of property:the farmers suffered the inhumanity and indignities of pillage and plunder
  • property acquired illegally and violently:the army sacked the city and carried off huge quantities of plunder

Derivatives

plunderer

noun

Origin:

mid 17th century: from German plündern, literally 'rob of household goods', from Middle High German plunder 'household effects'. Early use of the verb was with reference to the Thirty Years’ War (1618–48), reflecting German usage; on the outbreak of the English Civil War in 1642, the word and activity were associated with the forces under Prince Rupert

plunder in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of plunder in the British & World English dictionary

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