Despoil

Pronunciation: /dɪˈspɔɪl/

Definitions of despoil

verb to steal, plunder, or rob of goods or valuables by force, especially in time of war; loot

Example Sentences

A1 The pirates despoiled the treasure chest of its jewels.

A2 The vandals despoiled the park by littering everywhere.

B1 The invading army despoiled the village, taking everything of value.

B2 The corrupt government officials despoiled the country's resources for their own gain.

C1 The company's unethical practices despoiled the environment, causing irreversible damage.

C2 The conquerors despoiled the conquered lands, leaving nothing but destruction in their wake.

Examples of despoil in a Sentence

formal The invading army sought to despoil the city of its riches.

informal The thieves planned to despoil the house while the owners were away.

slang The vandals were caught trying to despoil the park.

figurative The scandal despoiled his reputation in the community.

Grammatical Forms of despoil

• past tense: despoiled
• plural: despoils
• comparative: more despoiled
• superlative: most despoiled
• present tense: despoils
• future tense: will despoil
• perfect tense: have despoiled
• continuous tense: is despoiling
• singular: despoil
• positive degree: despoil
• infinitive: despoil
• gerund: despoiling
• participle: despoiling

Origin and Evolution of despoil

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'despoil' originated from the Latin word 'despoliare', which means to strip of possessions or rob.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'despoil' has retained its original meaning of plundering or looting, but has also come to be used more broadly to describe the act of depriving someone of something valuable or desirable.