Plunder Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈplʌndər/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A valuable thing or resource taken from a person, place, or organization, often in a secretive or unauthorized manner, such as treasure, booty, or plunder.

Examples

• The pirates plundered the gold from the sunken ship.
• The con artist plundered the company’s assets and disappeared.

Synonyms

• Booty
• Loot
• Stolen goods

Antonyms

• Donate
• Return
• Repent

Additional Information

Plunder has a long history, dating back to ancient times when warriors and pirates would take spoils of war or loot from conquered territories. Today, the term is often used to describe financial crimes, such as embezzlement or fraud, as well as the taking of intellectual property or artistic creations without permission.

Plunder is often associated with negative connotations, implying a lack of ethics or moral principles. However, in some cases, plunder can also refer to the taking of valuable resources or artifacts to preserve or display them for the betterment of society.

Etymology

The word “plunder” comes from the Old English word “plundr,” which means “to despoil” or “to rob.” This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*pluntiz,” which is also the source of the Modern German word “Plünder,” meaning “to pillage” or “to plunder.”

Usage Notes

Use “plunder” to describe the taking of valuable items or resources in a secretive or unauthorized manner. Be careful not to use the term too loosely, as it can imply a lack of ethics or moral principles.

Cultural References

The term “plunder” has appeared in numerous cultural references, including literature, film, and music. For example, the song “Plunder” by The Decemberists refers to the taking of treasure and riches, while the novel “Treasure Island” by Robert Louis Stevenson features a character who is obsessed with plundering treasure.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

Some idiomatic expressions or phrases that include the word “plunder” include:

• “Plunder the high seas” – to pillage and plunder valuable resources or treasure.
• “Plunder the countryside” – to take resources or valuables from a rural area.

Related Words or Phrases

• Pillage
• Booty
• Loot
• Stolen goods

Collocations

• Plunder and pillage
• Plunder the spoils
• Take plunder

Frequency of Use

The frequency of use for the word “plunder” is relatively low, as it is typically used in specific contexts, such as literature or historical accounts.

Common Misspellings

Some common misspellings of the word “plunder” include:

• Plunderer
• Plundered
• Plundering