rapine
noun
rap·ine ˈra-pən 
-ˌpīn
: pillage, plunder
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web If his decades-long track record is any indication, Sanders would be inclined to make excuses for our adversaries and look on the bright side of their repression and rapine. 
Rich Lowry, National Review, 25 Feb. 2020 There is no question about the general philosophy that underlay this great act of public pillage and economic rapine. Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 13 Mar. 2013
Rich Lowry, National Review, 25 Feb. 2020 There is no question about the general philosophy that underlay this great act of public pillage and economic rapine. Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 13 Mar. 2013 Word History
Etymology
Middle English, "robbery, violent seizure of goods," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin rapīna "forcible carrying off of property, seizure and carrying off of a woman," from rapere "to seize and carry off" + -īna, deverbal suffix, noun derivative from feminine of -īnus -ine entry 1 — more at rapid entry 1
First Known Use
15th century, in the meaning defined above
rapines
noun
as in despoliations
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- despoliations
- spoliations
- highjackings
- kidnappings
- abductions
- pilferages
- kidnapings
- black marketeerings
- pillages
- carjackings
- piracies
- hijackings
- banditries
- grafts
- housebreakings
- despoilments
- petty larcenies
- petit larcenies
- thieveries
- embezzlements
- burglaries
- peculations
- robberies
- misapplications
- misappropriations
- thefts
- larcenies