Looting
ˈluːtɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsTo steal goods from a place, typically during a riot or war.
ˈluːtɪŋ
The rioters began looting the stores.
💡 Simply: Imagine a store after a big event, and people start taking things without paying – that's looting. It's like when you take a toy from your friend without asking.
👶 For kids: Taking things that don't belong to you, especially when lots of people are doing it.
More Examples
After the hurricane, there were reports of widespread looting.
The soldiers were accused of looting during the war.
How It's Used
"News reports often describe looting following natural disasters or civil unrest."
"Historical accounts detail the looting of cities during sieges."
The act of stealing goods during a riot or war.
ˈluːtɪŋ
The city suffered from widespread looting after the earthquake.
💡 Simply: When people steal things from stores or buildings when there’s a big problem like a riot or a natural disaster. It’s taking things that don't belong to you.
👶 For kids: When people steal things, especially when something bad is happening.
More Examples
Looting is a serious crime that can lead to imprisonment.
The authorities are working to prevent looting.
How It's Used
"Police investigated reports of looting after the demonstration."
"The news focused on the looting that occurred during the unrest."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
loot and pillage
To steal and destroy property, often in a chaotic manner.
"The invading army was accused of looting and pillaging the villages they conquered."
to go on a looting spree
To engage in a period of widespread stealing, often during a period of chaos.
"Following the blackout, some individuals went on a looting spree, targeting local businesses."
From Middle English *loten*, from Old French *lotin*, present participle of *loter* (“to loot, pilfer”), from *lot* (“a share, booty”).
The term gained prominence with increasing frequency in the 17th century, describing the act of taking goods from a conquered city.
Memory tip
Think of the sound of a siren and stolen goods; 'looting' involves taking things that don't belong to you.
Word Origin
"to loot, pilfer"