# plundering

/ˈpɫəndɝɪŋ/ (US) · /plˈʌndəɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/plundering
Updated: 2026-05-30

## Definition

the act of stealing or taking things by force, especially from a place that has been attacked. It often happens during a war or a riot.

For teachers: the act of seizing property by force, typically during a military occupation or a riot. Often implies a lack of legal authority or a systematic stripping of resources.

## Examples

- The city was left in ruins after days of plundering.
- Historical accounts describe the plundering of the royal treasury as a primary motive for the invading army.
- The aftermath of the revolution was marked by widespread plundering of state archives, leaving the new government without the necessary documentation to establish legal ownership of land.

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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.