Depredate

/ˈdeprɪdeɪt/ verb

Definition

To plunder or rob; to raid and steal resources from a place or person; to prey upon.

Etymology

From Latin praedari (to plunder), derived from praeda (plunder, booty); the prefix de- intensifies the action of seizing or taking by force.

Kelly Says

Medieval armies would 'depredate' the countryside during wars, systematically stealing food and resources—understanding this helps explain why protection of peasants was historically critical to civilization.

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