CEFR C2

despoil

verb

Meaning

To strip of possessions, value, or beauty through force, theft, or ruthless exploitation.

Examples

The corrupt officials continued to despoil the public treasury for their own gain.
Generations of greed have served to despoil the once-pristine natural landscape.

Synonyms: rob, loot, plunder, pillage

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despoil (C2)

verb

Pronunciation: dɪˈspɔɪl

Definition

To strip of possessions, value, or beauty through force, theft, or ruthless exploitation.

Examples

The corrupt officials continued to despoil the public treasury for their own gain.
Generations of greed have served to despoil the once-pristine natural landscape.
Ancient tombs were frequently despoiled by grave robbers seeking gold and artifacts.

How to Use despoil

despoil of (prepositional phrase): To strip someone or something of a specific possession or quality. — "The conquerors sought to despoil the nation of its cultural heritage."
despoil someone/something (collocation): Directly taking from or ruining an object or person. — "They did not hesitate to despoil the sacred temple."

Synonyms of despoil

Words with a similar meaning to despoil:

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