Ransack Meaning in English
word
Definition
To search a place or container in a very thorough and often messy or violent way, usually to steal things or look for something.
Usage & Nuances
'Ransack' is formal or literary, and usually implies force or violence, often in the context of crime or war. Common collocations: 'ransack a house', 'ransack the office'. Not used for gentle or routine searching. Don't confuse with 'search' (neutral), 'raid' (group attack), or 'loot' (steal during chaos).
Example Sentences
Thieves ransacked the store last night.
basic
They ransacked his room looking for money.
basic
Soldiers ransacked the abandoned house.
basic
My bag looked like it had been ransacked after my little brother went through it.
natural
When we got home, we realized someone had ransacked the entire place.
natural
Don’t ransack the kitchen just to find some cookies!
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