verb / noun

plunder

PLUN-der/ˈplʌndər/

Taking valuables unlawfully, often by force.

Armed raiders plunder the town, taking jewelry, money, and food.

During visible disorder at a small household-goods shop, an armed looter stuffs goods into a sack while threatening the shopkeeper who reaches helplessly toward the stolen items.

Etymology

plunderMiddle High Germanhousehold goods, clothes

The root named household possessions, including furniture and clothes. The verb originally meant taking away household furniture, then broadened to forcibly taking goods or valuables.

In context

The Full History Documentary94:17

when a fortified city refused peaceful capitulation, the victorious troops were granted three days to plunder the fallen stronghold. Palaces were stripped …

Fall of Constantinople Full History Documentary: How the Ottoman Empire Destroyed Byzantium

More examples

Thieves plunder ancient tombs and sell the artifacts.
The army forbids the plunder of civilian homes.
Pirates plundered the merchant ship before abandoning it.

Forms

plunder · plunders · plundered · plundering

plunderer noun — Someone who steals valuables, often by force.

Similar words

loot: Often emphasizes stealing during war, riots, or other disorder.
pillage: Emphasizes violent looting of a place, especially during war.
rob: Focuses on taking property from someone through force or threats.