Despoil

To despoil means to steal or take away something valuable or important from a place or person, often using force or violence. It implies a destruction of beauty, value, or possessions, leaving the affected area or individual significantly diminished or ruined. The act of despoiling can involve plunder, looting, or ravaging, and it suggests a deliberate and often cruel act of stripping someone or something of their worth. It carries a connotation of moral wrong, encompassing a transgression that is both destructive and often driven by greed or malice.

Despoil meaning with examples

• Invading armies often despoil conquered lands, looting resources, and destroying infrastructure to cripple the enemy's ability to resist. This destructive approach involves more than simply taking control; it signifies the deliberate dismantling of a civilization's foundations, leaving generations to rebuild from the ruins of societal destruction.
• The corrupt corporation despoiled the natural environment by dumping toxic waste into the river, ignoring environmental regulations and devastating local ecosystems. They exploited the land for profit, disregarding the long-term consequences and damaging the natural beauty of the area for short-term gains.
• During the art heist, the thieves intended to despoil the museum of its priceless treasures, intending to remove the historical and cultural artifacts to line their own pockets. Their greedy actions aimed to deprive the public of access to the art, while seeking financial gain.
• The dictator's regime did not hesitate to despoil the nation's wealth through corruption and embezzlement, transferring funds to offshore accounts and leaving its citizens impoverished. His actions created widespread discontent, leaving citizens without the resources needed to thrive.
• After the natural disaster, looters moved in to despoil the homes of the displaced residents, stealing their remaining possessions amid the chaos. The looters were condemned for their shameless actions, as they added to the human suffering.