despoil

/dɪˈspɔɪl/
verb
  1. To steal or violently take valuable things from a place; to plunder.
    • The invaders despoiled the temple of its gold and jewels.
    • Looters despoiled the abandoned store during the blackout.
    • The ancient tomb had been despoiled by grave robbers centuries ago.
  2. To strip of beauty or value; to spoil or ruin.
    • Vandalism despoiled the beautiful mural in the park.
    • Years of neglect had despoiled the grand old mansion.
    • The factory's pollution despoiled the once-pristine river.
What does "despoil" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean