Word
looting
Phoneticsloot·ing, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈɫutɪŋ/
UK/lˈuːtɪŋ/
Definitions
01stealing during a crisis
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
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.
“After the earthquake, the government sent in soldiers to stop the looting of local shops.”
“Widespread looting broke out in the city centre as the police struggled to maintain order during the power outage.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun to describe the general activity.
Synonyms
02stealing or plundering
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.
“The gang was caught looting a warehouse during the protests.”
“By the time the military arrived, several groups were already looting the abandoned government buildings for supplies and equipment.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Looting and damage were reported around the square and in some other tourist and shopping areas in the city centre.” “Shortly after, people began looting the site, part of which had been a computer shop.” Word family
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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