pillage

/ˈpɪlɪdʒ/
verb
  1. To steal goods violently from a place, especially during war or a riot.
    • Looters pillaged the stores after the earthquake knocked out security.
    • The pirates pillaged the coastal town and escaped with gold and silver.
    • The invading army began to pillage the village, taking everything of value.
  2. To take or use something in a greedy or destructive way.
    • The company pillaged the forest's resources without any plan for replanting.
    • He pillaged his grandmother's attic for antiques to sell online.
    • Corrupt officials pillaged the public funds for their own benefit.
noun
  1. The act of stealing goods violently, especially during war or conflict.
    • The city suffered terrible pillage after the siege ended.
    • The general ordered his men to stop the pillage and respect the civilians.
    • Historical records describe the pillage of the temple by foreign invaders.
What does "pillage" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean