Despoliation

Pronunciation: /dɪˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən/

Definitions of despoliation

noun the act of despoiling or the state of being despoiled; plunder; robbery; spoilation.

Example Sentences

A1 The despoliation of the forest left the animals without a home.

A2 The despoliation of the ancient ruins saddened the archaeologists.

B1 The despoliation of the artwork was a devastating blow to the museum.

B2 The despoliation of the natural habitat led to the extinction of several species.

C1 The despoliation of the historical site was met with outrage from preservationists.

C2 The despoliation of the ecosystem had far-reaching consequences for the entire region.

Examples of despoliation in a Sentence

formal The despoliation of the ancient ruins was a devastating blow to the preservation efforts.

informal The despoliation of the park by vandals was a real shame.

slang The despoliation of the beach was a total bummer.

figurative The despoliation of her reputation was like a stain that couldn't be washed away.

Grammatical Forms of despoliation

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

Origin and Evolution of despoliation

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Latin

Story behind the word: The word 'despoliation' originated from the Latin word 'despoliatio', which is derived from the verb 'despoliare' meaning 'to rob or plunder'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'despoliation' has retained its original meaning of plundering or robbing, but it is also commonly used in a more figurative sense to describe the act of stripping something of its value or beauty.