pillage
word
Definition
To violently steal or take goods, especially during war or chaos; refers to robbing a place using force.
Usage & Nuances
Usually formal or historical, often used to describe actions in war, riot, or invasion; common in phrases like 'pillage and plunder'. Not typically used for minor theft—implies large-scale, violent looting.
Spanish: saquear - pillajePortuguese (BR): saquear - pilhagemPortuguese (PT): saquear - pilhagemChinese (Simplified): 掠夺 - 洗劫Chinese (Traditional): 掠奪 - 洗劫Hindi: लूटपाट करनाArabic: نهب
Example Sentences
It is wrong to pillage the homes of innocent people.
basic
The soldiers began to pillage the small village.
basic
During the war, towns were often pillaged by invading armies.
basic
After the riot, shops were pillaged and left in ruins.
natural
He faced charges for trying to pillage historic artifacts during the chaos.
natural
They didn’t just steal—they completely pillaged the place and took everything valuable.
natural