looting
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.the act of stealing from shops or houses during a time of chaos, like a riot or a war.
n.the act of plundering or stealing goods during a crisis, typically when law enforcement is absent or overwhelmed.
Simple“After the earthquake, the government sent in soldiers to stop the looting of local shops.”
In context“Widespread looting broke out in the city centre as the police struggled to maintain order during the power outage.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun to describe the general activity.
Synonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.the action of stealing things by force during a conflict or disaster.
v.the present participle or gerund form of 'loot', describing the ongoing action of stealing property during a breakdown of order.
Simple“The gang was caught looting a warehouse during the protests.”
In context“By the time the military arrived, several groups were already looting the abandoned government buildings for supplies and equipment.”
SynonymsrobbingransackingAntonyms
“Shortly after, people began looting the site, part of which had been a computer shop.”