plunder

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plun·der / ˈpləndər/ • v. [tr.] steal goods from (a place or person), typically using force and in a time of war or civil disorder: looters moved into the disaster area to plunder stores | [intr.] the invaders were back and ready to plunder. ∎  steal (goods) in such a way. ∎  take material from (artistic or academic work) for one's own purposes: we shall plunder related sciences to assist our research.• n. the violent and dishonest acquisition of property: the farmers suffered the inhumanity and indignities of pillage and plunder. ∎  property acquired illegally and violently: the army sacked the city and carried off huge quantities of plunder.DERIVATIVES: plun·der·er n.