First Known Use: circa 1788
Dictionary
1loot
noun \ˈlüt\
: something that is stolen or taken by force
Full Definition of LOOT
1
: goods usually of considerable value taken in war : spoils
2
: something held to resemble goods of value seized in war: as a : something appropriated illegally often by force or violence b : illicit gains by public officials c : money
3
: the action of looting
See loot defined for English-language learners
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Origin of LOOT
Hindi & Urdu lūṭ; akin to Sanskrit luṇṭati he plunders
Synonym Discussion of LOOT
spoil, plunder, booty, prize, loot mean something taken from another by force or craft. spoil, more commonly spoils, applies to what belongs by right or custom to the victor in war or political contest <the spoils of political victory>. plunder applies to what is taken not only in war but in robbery, banditry, grafting, or swindling <a bootlegger's plunder>. booty implies plunder to be shared among confederates <thieves dividing up their booty>. prize applies to spoils captured on the high seas or territorial waters of the enemy <the wartime right of seizing prizes at sea>. loot applies especially to what is taken from victims of a catastrophe <picked through the ruins for loot>.
2loot
verb
: to steal things from (a place, such as a store or house) during a war or after destruction has been caused by fire, rioting, etc.
Full Definition of LOOT
transitive verb
1
a : to plunder or sack in war b : to rob especially on a large scale and usually by violence or corruption
2
: to seize and carry away by force especially in war
intransitive verb
: to engage in robbing or plundering especially in war
— loot·er noun
See loot defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of LOOT
1845
LOOT Defined for Kids
1loot
noun \ˈlüt\
Definition of LOOT for Kids
: something stolen or taken by force
2loot
verb
loot·edloot·ing
Definition of LOOT for Kids
: 1plunder
— loot·er noun
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