despoil

[dɪˈspɔɪl]

despoil Definition

• 1. steal or violently remove valuable possessions from; plunder
• 2. destroy or ruin something

Using despoil: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "despoil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The invaders despoiled the town of its treasures.

• Example

  The forest was despoiled by the logging company.

• Example

  The vandals despoiled the church of its artifacts.

• Example

  The hurricane despoiled the coastal town.

despoil Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for despoil

• plunder
• loot
• ravage
• devastate
• pillage

Antonyms for despoil

• protect
• preserve
• conserve

Phrases with despoil

• despoil of innocence

  to take away someone's innocence, often through a traumatic experience

  Example

  The abuse she suffered as a child despoiled her of her innocence.

• despoil the land

  to damage or destroy the natural environment through human activity

  Example

  The mining company's operations despoiled the land and polluted the river.

• despoil oneself of something

  to give up or sacrifice something valuable or important

  Example

  He despoiled himself of his inheritance to fund his artistic pursuits.

Origins of despoil

from Old French 'despoillier', from Latin 'despoliare', from 'de-' (expressing reversal) + 'spoliare' (strip of clothing, rob)

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Summary: despoil in Brief

'Despoil' [dɪˈspɔɪl] is a verb that means to steal or violently remove valuable possessions, or to destroy or ruin something. It can be used in phrases like 'despoil of innocence,' meaning to take away someone's innocence, or 'despoil the land,' meaning to damage or destroy the natural environment. 'Despoil' is a formal word that can be replaced with 'plunder' or 'pillage' in more casual contexts.