plunder

 
Pronunciation: /ˈplʌndə/

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 shops
  • steal (goods), typically using force and in a time of disorder: the contents of the abandoned houses were plundered by members of the new regime
  • take material from (artistic or academic work) for one’s own purposes: we shall plunder related sciences to assist our research

noun

[mass noun]
  • the violent and dishonest acquisition of property: the commander refused to maintain his troops through 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 (reflecting German usage); on the outbreak of the Civil War in 1642, the word and activity were associated with the forces under Prince Rupert