rapine

noun

rap·​ine ˈra-pən  -ˌpīn 

: pillage, plunder

Examples of rapine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If his decades-long track record is any indication, Sanders would be inclined to make excuses for our adversaries and look on the bright side of their repression and rapine. —Rich Lowry, National Review, 25 Feb. 2020

There is no question about the general philosophy that underlay this great act of public pillage and economic rapine. —Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 13 Mar. 2013

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "robbery, violent seizure of goods," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin rapīna "forcible carrying off of property, seizure and carrying off of a woman," from rapere "to seize and carry off" + -īna, deverbal suffix, noun derivative from feminine of -īnus -ine entry 1 — more at rapid entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

rapine

noun

rap·​ine ˈrap-ən 

-ˌīn

: the seizing and carrying away of something by force