grave robbers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grave robbers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to individuals who illegally dig up graves to steal valuables or artifacts. Example: "The local authorities have increased patrols in the cemetery to deter grave robbers from disturbing the resting places of the deceased."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"They are grave robbers".

The New York Times

Grave robbers appeared in the show.

The New Yorker

("Grave robbers," Slade says, of her new family).

Independent

Such books, when overlooked by grave robbers, survived in good condition in the tomb.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(For corpses to dissect, medical schools often depended on grave robbers).

The New Yorker

The pieces were unearthed when grave robbers went looking for gems.

The New York Times

Grave robbers chip away at the walls of the municipal cemetery.

The New York Times

Until recently, most Andean textiles were without provenance, removed from burial sites by grave robbers.

The New York Times

The one-hour documentary teems with grave robbers, mad scientists and mutilated corpses.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

This was where, at dead of night, the grave-robbers arrived with fresh deliveries of cadavers.

The Guardian - Books

After the body was lowered into the ground, the coffin was smashed up with rocks to deter grave-robbers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about historical events or fictional stories involving theft from graves, use the phrase "grave robbers" to clearly convey the act of stealing from burial sites for valuables or corpses.

Common error

Avoid portraying legitimate archaeological excavations as the work of "grave robbers". Ensure your writing clearly distinguishes between scientific research and illegal looting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "grave robbers" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it describes individuals who engage in the act of illegally exhuming graves to steal valuables or corpses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grave robbers" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe individuals who illegally excavate graves to steal valuables or corpses. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias and wiki sources. While the term itself is neutral in formality, it carries a negative connotation due to the criminal nature of the act it describes. Alternative phrases such as "tomb raiders" or "body snatchers" may be used depending on the specific context. When using the phrase "grave robbers", it is crucial to distinguish between illegal looting and legitimate archaeological excavations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

grave looters

Emphasizes the act of looting valuables from graves.

tomb raiders

Focuses specifically on raiding tombs, implying a historical or archaeological context.

plunderers of tombs

Similar to tomb raiders, emphasizing the act of plundering.

body snatchers

Specifically refers to stealing corpses, often for medical research.

cemetery desecrators

Specifically refers to the desecration of cemeteries.

desecrators of graves

Highlights the disrespectful act of violating a grave.

archaeological thieves

Refers to thieves who steal archaeological artifacts from graves.

exhumation criminals

Focuses on the criminal act of exhuming bodies.

burial site vandals

Highlights the vandalism and destruction of burial sites.

necropirates

A more modern, informal and humorous term for grave robbers.

FAQs

What is the definition of "grave robbers"?

The term "grave robbers" refers to individuals who illegally excavate graves or tombs to steal valuable items or corpses.

Are there alternative terms for "grave robbers"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "tomb raiders", "body snatchers", or "grave looters" depending on the specific context.

In what contexts is the term "grave robbers" typically used?

The term "grave robbers" is often used in historical contexts, true crime, archaeology, and fictional settings such as adventure stories or horror movies.

Is it appropriate to use the term "grave robbers" to describe archaeological digs?

No, it is generally inappropriate and inaccurate to describe archaeological digs as the work of "grave robbers". Archaeological digs are conducted with scientific and historical goals in mind, with proper authorization and documentation.