# pillage

/ˈpɪɫɪdʒ/ (US) · /pˈɪlɪdʒ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/pillage
Updated: 2026-05-28

## Definition

the act of stealing or destroying things from a place, especially during a war or a riot. It usually involves taking goods by force.

For teachers: the act of plundering or looting a place, typically during a military invasion or civil unrest. Often implies the systematic seizure of property by force.

## Examples

- The city suffered from years of pillage and destruction.
- Historians documented the pillage of the royal treasury during the revolution, noting that many priceless artifacts were lost forever.
- The treaty was intended to prevent the pillage of civilian assets, yet the subsequent occupation saw widespread looting of local businesses and homes.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.