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Meaning of despoil
The primary meaning of the word "despoil" is to take or remove something valuable or desirable from a place or person, often in a violent or unjust manner.
Etymology of despoil
The word "despoil" comes from the Old French word "despoillier", which is derived from the Latin word "despoliare", meaning "to strip or plunder"
The Latin word "despoliare" is a combination of "de" (meaning "from" or "away") and "spolium" (meaning "spoils" or "plunder")
The word "despoil" has been used in English since the 15th century to describe the act of taking or removing something valuable or desirable from a place or person
Synonyms
Definitions
- To take or remove something valuable or desirable from a place or person, often in a violent or unjust manner
- * To damage or destroy something, such as a natural environment or a work of art, in a way that spoils its beauty or value
Usage Examples
- The invaders despoiled the city, taking everything of value and leaving the inhabitants with nothing
- * The logging company despoiled the forest, clear-cutting the trees and destroying the ecosystem
- * The thieves despoiled the museum, stealing priceless artworks and artifacts