First Known Use: 1632
Dictionary
1plunder
verb plun·der \ˈplən-dər\
: to steal things from (a place, such as a city or town) especially by force
plun·deredplun·der·ing \-d(ə-)riŋ\
Full Definition of PLUNDER
transitive verb
1
2
: to make extensive use of as if by plundering : use or use up wrongfully <plunder the land>
intransitive verb
: to commit robbery or looting
— plun·der·er \-dər-ər\ noun
See plunder defined for English-language learners
See plunder defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of PLUNDER
German plündern
2plunder
noun
: the act of stealing things from a place especially by force : the act of plundering something
: things that are stolen or taken by force especially during a war
Full Definition of PLUNDER
1
: an act of plundering : pillaging
2
: something taken by force, theft, or fraud : loot
3
chiefly dialect : personal or household effects
See plunder defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PLUNDER
1643
Synonym Discussion of PLUNDER
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>.
PLUNDERING Defined for Kids
1plunder
verb plun·der \ˈplən-dər\
plun·deredplun·der·ing
Definition of PLUNDER for Kids
: to rob or steal especially openly and by force (as during war)
2plunder
noun
Definition of PLUNDER for Kids
: something stolen by force : loot
Learn More About PLUNDER
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: plunderablePrevious Word in the Dictionary: plum–yewAll Words Near: plunder
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up plunder? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).