verb
ransack
RAN-sak/ˈrænsæk/
To search through thoroughly, often leaving things in disorder.
The man ransacks the drawers, scattering their contents.
Etymology
The Old Norse pieces mean “search the house,” especially legally for stolen goods. The compound also meant “pillage,” connecting a thorough search with the violent, disorderly searching of the modern sense.
In context
she took and hid a bunch of valuables for Confederates because people knew that nobody would ransack the house of the late President
More examples
- She ransacked the drawers for the missing receipt.
- The room had been ransacked, with papers everywhere.
- He ransacked his memory for the name.
Forms
ransack · ransacks · ransacked · ransacking