to violently remove or destroy valuable possessions or resources
example
The soldiers came to despoil the village, taking all the valuable items and leaving nothing behind.
synonyms
plunderrobloot
word origin — From Middle English 'despoilen', derived from Old French 'despoillier', which comes from Latin 'despoliare' (to strip of belongings).
despoil, shudder, refurbish, slake, harry: meanings and examples
Learn these 5 words from Word Master set 58. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.
despoil · verb/dɪˈspɔɪl/
to violently remove or destroy valuable possessions or resources
The soldiers came to despoil the village, taking all the valuable items and leaving nothing behind.
Synonyms: plunder, rob, loot
Origin: From Middle English 'despoilen', derived from Old French 'despoillier', which comes from Latin 'despoliare' (to strip of belongings).
shudder · verb/ˈʃʌdər/
to shake or tremble suddenly from fear or disgust
She shuddered at the thought of walking alone in the dark.
Synonyms: tremble, shake, shiver
Origin: Middle English 'schudden', from Old English 'sceotan' meaning 'to shake'
refurbish · verb/rɪˈfɜrˌbɪʃ/
to restore or renovate something to a good condition
We decided to refurbish the old school building to make it more welcoming for students.
Synonyms: renovate, restore, refresh
Origin: from Latin 'refurbire', meaning to 'polish again' or 'to freshen up'
slake · verb/sleɪk/
to satisfy or quench a desire or thirst
After the long hike, I drank water to slake my thirst.
Synonyms: satisfy, quench, relieve
Origin: Origin from Middle English 'slaken', meaning to lessen or to become less.
harry · verb/ˈhæri/
to harass or annoy persistently
The children harried the teacher with many questions all at once.
Synonyms: harass, bother, annoy
Origin: Middle English 'herien', from Old French 'harier', meaning 'to set upon, attack'.