Pronunciation: /ˈpraɪ.və.tɪr/

Definitions of privateer

noun a privately owned armed ship authorized by a government during wartime to attack and capture enemy vessels

Example Sentences

A1 Privateers were authorized by the government to attack enemy ships during times of war.

A2 The privateer sailed the seas in search of merchant vessels to plunder.

B1 The privateer captain was known for his cunning tactics in capturing enemy ships.

B2 During the 17th century, privateers played a significant role in naval warfare.

C1 Privateers were often hired by governments to disrupt enemy trade routes and weaken their economy.

C2 The privateer's success in capturing enemy ships made him a feared and respected figure in maritime history.

verb not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 He privateers his own boat to catch fish.

A2 The pirates privateered the enemy ship for treasure.

B1 The company decided to privateer their products to increase sales.

B2 The rebels privateered the government's resources to fund their cause.

C1 The corporation privateers intellectual property to maintain dominance in the market.

C2 The hacker group privateers sensitive information to blackmail companies.

adjective not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The privateer ship sailed across the ocean.

A2 The privateer crew was known for their daring raids.

B1 The privateer captain was feared by all who crossed his path.

B2 The privateer fleet was well-equipped and highly skilled.

C1 The privateer's tactics were both cunning and ruthless.

C2 The privateer's reputation as a formidable force at sea was well-deserved.

adverb not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The privateer sailed the seas in search of treasure.

A2 The privateer stealthily approached the enemy ship.

B1 The privateer successfully captured the merchant vessel.

B2 The privateer operated under a letter of marque from the government.

C1 The privateer's actions were sanctioned by the authorities.

C2 The privateer's exploits were legendary in maritime history.

pronoun not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The privateer sailed the seas in search of treasure.

A2 The privateer was known for their daring raids on enemy ships.

B1 The privateer's crew celebrated their latest victory with a feast.

B2 The privateer's reputation as a skilled navigator grew with each successful mission.

C1 The privateer's loyalty to their country was unquestionable, despite their questionable methods.

C2 The privateer's capture of the enemy flagship was a strategic masterstroke.

preposition not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The privateer sailed towards the horizon.

A2 The privateer ship was equipped with cannons.

B1 The privateer attacked enemy vessels in the name of their country.

B2 The privateer's crew consisted of skilled sailors and fighters.

C1 The privateer operated under a letter of marque from the government.

C2 The privateer's success in capturing enemy ships brought them fame and fortune.

conjunction not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 Privateers were authorized by the government to attack enemy ships.

A2 Privateers were essentially legalized pirates during times of war.

B1 Privateers played a significant role in naval warfare in the 17th and 18th centuries.

B2 Privateers were often motivated by the promise of wealth and glory.

C1 Privateers operated with a letter of marque, giving them legal authority to capture enemy vessels.

C2 Privateers were a controversial aspect of maritime warfare, blurring the lines between piracy and legitimate combat.

interjection not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 Privateer! Stop right there!

A2 Privateer, please wait for me!

B1 Privateer! I demand to know your intentions.

B2 Privateer, I suggest you surrender peacefully.

C1 Privateer, your actions are in violation of international law.

C2 Privateer, I will not hesitate to use force if necessary.

article not applicable

Example Sentences

A1 The privateer sailed the seas in search of treasure.

A2 The privateer's ship was well-equipped for battle.

B1 The privateer was hired by the king to attack enemy ships.

B2 The privateer's crew consisted of experienced sailors and fighters.

C1 The privateer operated under a letter of marque from the government.

C2 The privateer's success in capturing enemy vessels made them a feared figure on the high seas.

Examples of privateer in a Sentence

formal Privateers were authorized by governments to attack enemy ships during times of war.

informal The privateer was known for its swift and stealthy attacks on enemy vessels.

slang That privateer is one sneaky pirate!

figurative She was a privateer in the world of corporate espionage, always gathering valuable information for her company.

Grammatical Forms of privateer

past tense

privateered

plural

privateers

comparative

more privateering

superlative

most privateering

present tense

privateers

future tense

will privateer

perfect tense

have privateered

continuous tense

is privateering

singular

privateer

positive degree

privateer

infinitive

to privateer

gerund

privateering

participle

privateered

Origin and Evolution of privateer

First Known Use: 1620 year
Language of Origin: English
Story behind the word: The word 'privateer' originated from the term 'private man-of-war', which referred to a privately owned ship authorized by a government during wartime to attack enemy vessels.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'privateer' came to specifically refer to the captain or crew of such a privately owned ship, engaged in privateering activities sanctioned by a government.