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despoil - Dictionary Page

despoil

Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

English: /dɪˈspɔɪl/

Definitions

  1. To strip of possessions, valuables, or sacred items, often by force.
  2. To ruin or damage something of value.

Usage Examples

  • The invaders despoiled the ancient temple of its treasures.
  • Greedy corporations despoil the environment in pursuit of profit.
  • The army despoiled the countryside during the conflict.

Etymology

From Middle English despoilen, derived from Old French despoiller, from Latin despoliare, meaning "to strip or rob."

Synonyms

  • Pillage
  • Plunder
  • Ransack
  • Loot
  • Rob

Antonyms

  • Restore
  • Protect
  • Preserve
  • Safeguard
  • Donate

Translations

Language Translations Pronunciations
French dépouiller /de.pu.je/
Spanish despojar /des.poˈxar/
German berauben /bəˈʁaʊ̯bən/
Hindi लूटना /luːt.naː/
Tamil கவர்ந்தெடு /kaˈʋarnd̪eɖu/
Russian грабить /ˈɡrabʲɪtʲ/
Arabic سلب /sa.lab/
Chinese (Mandarin) 掠夺 /lüè duó/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • British English: /dɪˈspɔɪl/
  • American English: /dɪˈspɔɪl/

Historical Usage

Frequently used in historical contexts, especially in relation to warfare and conquest, where invading armies would despoil towns and villages.

Cultural Nuances

The word often conveys a sense of moral outrage, especially when referring to the looting of cultural or religious artifacts.

More Information

The act of despoiling is often associated with conflict and greed. The term carries connotations of injustice and the violation of cultural or natural treasures, making it a powerful word in literature and historical accounts.

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