verb (used with object) to strip of possessions, things of value, etc.; rob; plunder; pillage.
Origin: 1175–1225; Middle English despoilen <
Old French despoillier <
Latin dēspoliāre to strip, rob, plunder, equivalent to
dē- de- +
spoliāre to plunder;
see spoil Related formsde·spoil·er, noun
de·spoil·ment, noun
un·de·spoiled, adjective
Synonyms
dispossess, divest; rifle, sack; fleece.