despoil — To strip of belongings, possessions, or value; to plunder or devastate something, especially natural resources or beautiful places.
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: To strip of belongings, possessions, or value; to plunder or devastate something, especially natural resources or beautiful places.
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈspɔɪl/
Example Sentences
- The tourists were accused of despoiling the pristine beach by leaving tons of trash behind.
- My little brother despoiled my room like a tiny Viking raider looking for hidden candy.
- The mining company was criticized for despoiling the mountain landscape.
despoil
VERB[/dɪˈspɔɪl/]
To strip of belongings, possessions, or value; to plunder or devastate something, especially natural resources or beautiful places.

To strip of belongings, possessions, or value; to plunder or devastate something, especially natural resources or beautiful places.

They despoil with ease, but we toil to heal the soil!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin despoliare, meaning 'to strip completely' or 'to plunder.' The word originally described the act of completely removing someone's possessions or stripping them bare.
Breakdown
de- (completely/thoroughly) + spoliare (to strip, rob) = to strip completely or plunder
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“The tourists were accused of despoiling the pristine beach by leaving tons of trash behind.”
“My little brother despoiled my room like a tiny Viking raider looking for hidden candy.”
“The mining company was criticized for despoiling the mountain landscape.”
“She felt like her ex-boyfriend had despoiled her favorite restaurant by taking his new girlfriend there.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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