verb

despoil

dih-SPOYL/dɪˈspɔɪl/

To strip something of what is valuable in it.

Invading soldiers despoil the palace of its treasures and artwork.

A looter carries off a framed object through a broken doorway, empty mounting hooks visible; no weapons.

Etymology

Here de- strengthens the action: to despoil is to strip or rob thoroughly. The underlying verb evokes stripping clothing or taking an enemy’s armor, connecting forceful removal with plunder and devastation.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain42:24

spares no pains to despoil the people of all their rights and in the most Artful manner bestow them on Kings

1700s Philosophy Audiobook • Jean-Jacques Rousseau - The Social Contract

More examples

Thieves despoiled the ancient tomb of its gold.
Illegal loggers are despoiling the forest by removing its oldest trees.
The retreating army despoils nearby farms of livestock and grain.

Forms

despoil · despoils · despoiled · despoiling

despoiler noun — Someone who strips a place of valuables.

Similar words

plunder: Emphasizes stealing valuables by force, especially during war.
loot: Emphasizes stealing goods during war, disaster, or public disorder.