depredation

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'depredation' is correct and can be used in written English.
Depredation refers to the act of plundering, robbing, or damaging something, particularly by predatory animals or humans. It can also refer to the destructive effect of something, such as a natural disaster, on a place or community. Example: The depredation caused by the hurricane left the coastal town in ruins, with many homes and businesses destroyed. The word 'depredation' is commonly used in written English, particularly in formal or academic contexts. For example, it may be used in historical texts to describe the actions of invading armies, or in scientific articles discussing the impact of animal predation on ecosystems. Other examples: - The farmers were devastated by the depredation of their crops by a swarm of locusts. - The ancient ruins were a stark reminder of the depredations of time. - The government implemented measures to prevent the depredation of natural habitats by logging companies.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Which is part of the game of the novel: it is about how we look at art and how we make it; and about the survival and depredation of both art and experience through time and memory.

The Guardian - Books

The poor widowed female has been particularly exposed to depredation: no sooner did she quit her nest to search for food than the last comers fell to work (in which they were assisted by a number of Jackdaws) and, on her return, she has more than once found her little dwelling reduced almost to its foundations.

The Guardian

Yet the pace of depredation has picked up rapidly over the past three decades, as tourist visits have increased 14-fold to over 160,000 a year.The tourists are partly responsible for invasive species that threaten endemic wildlife.

The Economist

Chunks of Africa are prey to sectarian and ethnic strife and to environmental depredation.

The Economist

The Fish and Wildlife Service has shot 19 wolves to curb their depredation, and Defenders of Wildlife, which has long advocated reintroducing wolves, has paid out $27,000 to stockmen for losses caused by Yellowstone wolves.

The Economist

THE earliest visitors to the Falkland Islands were intent on depredation.

The Economist

PROTECTED for centuries by the sea from the depredation of Europe's various despots, the English are, unsurprisingly, rather fond of their little channel.

The Economist

In his most important work, Przestrogi dla Polski (1790; "Warning to Poland"), he drew a grim picture of the country's social and economic depredation by the gentry and advocated democratic reform.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Depredation of livestock was the primary justification for eradicating the wolf from virtually all of the United States, Mexico, and most of Europe.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Whereas civil embargoes consist of the detention of national vessels in home ports either to protect them from foreign depredation or to prevent goods from reaching a particular country, hostile embargoes involve the detention of the vessels or other property of a foreign country.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 260 and 276 Gaul suffered depredation by two recent confederations of Germanic peoples, the Alemanni and the Franks (facing Upper and Lower Germany, respectively).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "depredation" when you want to emphasize the act of plundering or causing damage, especially by predatory means. It is suitable for formal and academic writing.

Common error

Avoid using "depredation" when you mean "deprivation", which refers to the state of lacking something necessary. "Depredation" focuses on the act of causing damage, while "deprivation" focuses on the state of being without something.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "depredation" is as a noun. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to the act of plundering or causing damage. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples, showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "depredation" is a noun denoting the act of plundering or causing damage, commonly used in formal and academic contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that it frequently appears in news articles and encyclopedic entries. When writing, remember that "depredation" is distinct from "deprivation", which describes a state of being without. Synonyms include "plundering" and "ravaging". Use "depredation" to emphasize destructive acts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plundering

Focuses on the act of seizing goods or valuables, especially during wartime; emphasizes the economic aspect of the damage.

ravaging

Emphasizes the widespread destruction and devastation caused to an area or population.

despoiling

Highlights the act of stripping something of its value or beauty, often in a gradual or insidious manner.

vandalism

Specifically refers to the deliberate destruction or damage of property, often without apparent motive.

looting

Implies the stealing of goods, often during a time of chaos or disaster, and is more specific than "depredation".

desecration

Refers to the violation or profanation of something sacred or highly valued, focusing on the disrespect involved.

spoliation

Highlights the act of taking something by force or unfairly, often related to legal contexts.

exploitation

Focuses on the unfair or unethical use of someone or something for personal gain.

pillaging

Relates to the act of robbing a place using violence especially during a war or conflict.

sacking

Conveys a sense of aggressive and complete destruction, usually applied to cities or buildings.

FAQs

How is "depredation" typically used in a sentence?

The word "depredation" is commonly used to describe acts of destruction, plundering, or damage. For example: "The forest suffered from the depredation of illegal logging" or "The town experienced frequent depredation from raiding parties".

What are some synonyms for "depredation"?

Alternatives to "depredation" include "plundering", "ravaging", "despoiling", and "vandalism". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "depredation" a formal or informal word?

"Depredation" is generally considered a formal word, often used in academic, legal, or journalistic contexts. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "damage" or "destruction" might be preferred.

What is the difference between "depredation" and "deprivation"?

"Depredation" refers to the act of causing damage or plundering, while "deprivation" refers to the state of being without something necessary. They are distinct concepts with different meanings.