despoil

/dɪˈspɔɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /dɪˈspɔɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /di-ˈspȯi(-ə)l/ (ame, mw)

despoil — verb

  • despoilpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • despoilshe / she / it
  • despoiledpast simple
  • despoiling-ing form

1. to remove valuable objects from a place using force, especially during war or co

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to remove valuable objects from a place using force, especially during war or conflict, leaving it bare and often damaged

例句

During the war, Fatima saw soldiers despoil the library of its rare manuscripts.

despoil + [place] + of + [things]: pattern for what was taken

Diego reported that the ancient tomb had been despoiled by grave robbers.

passive: be despoiled by [agent]

同義詞
  • loot

    more common; used in everyday speech and news reports

  • pillage

    strongly associated with war and destruction of a place

  • plunder

    similar register; can also mean systematic economic exploitation

  • ransack

    emphasizes violent searching and turning things over

反義詞
  • protect

    to keep safe from harm or theft

  • preserve

    to keep in its original state

文法句型

despoil + [place] + of + [valuables]

be despoiled by + [aggressor]

用法筆記

Typically used in formal, literary, or historical contexts. The object is most often a place or region rather than a person. Frequently appears in descriptions of war, invasion, or large-scale theft.

常見錯誤

❌The thief despoiled my wallet.
✅The thief stole my wallet.
💡despoil is used for a place or large-scale looting, not for a small personal item.