verb (used with object)
to strip of possessions, things of value, etc.; rob; plunder; pillage.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
Cite This Source
|
Link To despoil
Collins
World English Dictionary
despoil (dɪˈspɔɪl) ![[Click for IPA pronunciation guide]](http://static.sfdict.com/dictstatic/g/d/dictionary_questionbutton_default.gif) | |
| —vb | |
| (tr) to strip or deprive by force; plunder; rob; loot | |
| [C13: from Old French despoillier, from Latin dēspoliāre, from | |
| de'spoiler | |
| —n | |
| de'spoilment | |
| —n | |
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
Cite This Source
00:10
Despoil
is one of our favorite verbs.
So is peculate. Does it mean:
| to spend time idly; loaf. |
| to steal or take dishonestly (money, esp. public funds, or property entrusted to one's care); embezzle. |
Etymonline
Word Origin & History
despoil
c.1300, from O.Fr. despoillier, from L. despoliare, from de- "entirely" + spoliare "to strip of clothing, rob," from spolium "armor, booty" (see spoil).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source
Cite This Source
Related Searches
Nearby Words
Copyright © 2013 Dictionary.com, LLC. All rights reserved.
