despoil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "despoil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of stripping something of its possessions, value, or beauty, often in a destructive manner. Example: "The invaders sought to despoil the land of its resources, leaving devastation in their wake."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Strong feelings against the despoilers can despoil.

The New York Times

Such has been the effect of Oxford's new Castle Mill student housing development on the edge of Port Meadow, a group of bulky blocks that despoil the landscape and block the long-cherished view, in a move slammed by critics as like "building a skyscraper next to Stonehenge".

The Guardian - Arts

Freelance divers, seeking salvage rather than knowledge, despoil them.

The Economist

They can more readily employ women and are less likely to despoil the environment.

The Economist

That is what you would expect a greedy oil firm to do: despoil the ocean just to save a lousy few million dollars.

The Economist

Three years earlier a group of imperial knights led by Franz von Sickingen had declared a feud against the archbishop of Trier, claiming to derive from scripture their right to despoil Roman Catholic prelates.

Encyclopedia Britannica

First, it is misspelt; the verb is "despoil", but the noun is "despoliation".

Independent

But many Southern soldiers tied these principles to the more visceral, concrete motives of defending their land and homes against the hated invader they believed had come south to despoil and enslave them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And, by emphasizing that figural interpretation "had grown out of a definite historical situation, the Christian break with Judaism and the Christian mission among the Gentiles," he tacitly linked that break with the Nazis' attempt to despoil Jewish law and theology.

The New Yorker

/ Piratical vessels hugging the shore, trading volleys with the island's security detail, in hopes that the pirates, most of them Somalis, can despoil the island of all that they can get.

The New Yorker

The sexual charge one feels in otherwise chaste portraits comes, I think, from her conflicting impulses to worship and to despoil.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "despoil", ensure that the subject and object of the verb are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The environment was despoiled', specify 'The oil spill despoiled the coastal environment'.

Common error

Avoid using "despoil" in contexts where a milder term like "damage" or "alter" would suffice. "Despoil" carries a strong negative connotation, implying deliberate and significant harm.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "despoil" is as a transitive verb, requiring a direct object. It describes the action of depriving something of its value, beauty, or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's usable in written English when referring to destructive stripping.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "despoil" is a transitive verb used to describe the act of stripping something of its value, beauty, or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness in written English. It carries a strong negative connotation and is typically used in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. Related terms include "plunder" and "pillage". When using "despoil", ensure clarity in defining the subject and object, and be mindful of its serious implications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

plunder

Similar in meaning, focuses on seizing goods or valuables, often during wartime.

pillage

Implies violent and destructive looting, often associated with military conquest.

ravage

Suggests widespread destruction and devastation, often by natural forces or war.

loot

Refers specifically to stealing goods during a riot or war.

sack

Describes the plundering of a city or town by a conquering army.

degrade

Indicates a reduction in quality or value, often gradual.

devastate

Emphasizes the severe emotional or physical damage caused.

damage

A general term for causing harm or injury.

desecrate

Specifies the violation or profaning of something sacred.

contaminate

Focuses on polluting or making something impure.

FAQs

How is "despoil" typically used in a sentence?

The verb "despoil" is generally used to describe the act of stripping something of value, beauty, or resources. For example: "The invaders sought to "despoil" the land of its resources".

What are some synonyms for "despoil"?

Alternatives to "despoil" include "plunder", "pillage", "ravage", and "loot", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "despoil" and "desecrate"?

"Despoil" refers to stripping something of its value or beauty, while "desecrate" specifically means to violate or profane something sacred.

Is "despoil" a formal or informal word?

"Despoil" is generally considered a formal word, often used in writing and more serious contexts. In casual conversation, simpler words like "damage" or "ruin" might be preferred.