maraud

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'maraud' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to roam or go about in search of things to steal or people to attack. Example: The village was constantly under threat from marauding bands of thieves, who would sneak into homes and steal whatever they could find.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

There was even the suggestion that the Tories' "vote Miliband, get Salmond" campaign had revived tribal memories of northern marauders crashing south, though as the last northern maraud ended in 1745 when the Jacobites did their U-turn at Derby, the memories of towns such as Nuneaton and Morley must be powerful and long.

The Guardian - Opinion

One professor, Houston Baker, denounced the lacrosse players as "young white, violent, drunken men veritably given licence to rape, maraud, deploy hate speech".

The Economist

Meanwhile the Euroscepticism that the prime minister's pandering has not satisfied will maraud like a clumsy drunk.

The Economist

In the long run, he must also make political space in Rwanda for the Hutu rebel forces who maraud through eastern Congo and give General Nkunda a pretext for his depredations.

The Economist

I fear it will, this Sunday, when Ray Lewis and Ed Reed and the rest of the Mongol horde also known as the Baltimore Ravens defense maraud through Kansas City.

The New Yorker

Tea Party zombies, thrilled with the dark destruction they have wreaked on the planet, continue to maraud around the Hill, eager to chomp on humanity some more.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

8d5ff47e-2274-461a-82af-081a6ea0e85d talkingice have been talking up the dangers presented by the forthcoming G20 protests in London, creating fears of widespread disruption and violence caused by hordes of marauding anarchists hell-bent on destroying our society.

The Guardian

An incident recorded in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle describes how, in AD 874, a marauding band of Vikings ravaged the Chichester countryside, "and the citizens put them to flight, and killed many hundreds of them".

The Guardian - Travel

During the Danish raids of the 10th and 11th centuries, Worcester was terrorised by waves of marauding Norsemen.

The Guardian - Travel

There are stories about them marauding around the Commons, colonising the bars, being "chippy and confrontational", feasting on chips and sweets (Mhairi Black), taking forbidden selfies at the PM's dispatch box (you know who you are, Roger Mullin) and generally whooping it up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 10.36pm BST22 36 78 min: Muller goes on a marauding run down the inside right, riding a couple of tackles along the away.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "maraud" to vividly depict aggressive or predatory movements, especially when emphasizing the intent to plunder or raid. For example, "The Vikings marauded the coastline, leaving destruction in their wake."

Common error

Avoid using "maraud" to simply describe aimless wandering. "Maraud" implies a predatory or plundering intent, not just casual movement. Make sure that there is an underlying component of pillaging.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "maraud" is as a verb, used to describe the action of moving about in a roving fashion, often with the intent to plunder or raid. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is a usable and correct word.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sport

21%

Opinion

11%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "maraud" functions as a verb denoting aggressive and predatory movements, often linked to raiding or pillaging. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically sound and applicable in various contexts. The phrase is seen "commonly" across diverse sources, especially in news media and sports writing. While primarily neutral in register, it can convey a strong sense of lawlessness and danger. Related terms include "pillage" and "raid". To ensure correct usage, remember that "maraud" implies intent, not just aimless wandering.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pillage

Focuses on the act of looting and plundering during an attack.

raid

Emphasizes a sudden attack or incursion.

plunder

Highlights the act of taking goods by force.

foray

Suggests a brief excursion or venture, often for exploration or plunder.

despoil

Indicates the act of stripping something of its value or beauty.

ravage

Implies widespread destruction and devastation.

ransack

Focuses on thoroughly searching and looting a place.

prowl

Suggests moving stealthily in search of prey or something to steal.

scour

Implies searching thoroughly, often with the intent to cleanse or remove something undesirable.

depredate

Indicates plundering or laying waste to, often in a biological context.

FAQs

How can I use "maraud" in a sentence?

You can use "maraud" to describe groups moving aggressively to raid or plunder, such as "Bandits "maraud" through the countryside" or "Invading armies "maraud" across the land".

What words are similar to "maraud"?

Similar words include "pillage", "raid", and "plunder". Each carries a slightly different nuance related to aggressive movement and theft.

Is "maraud" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "maraud" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing historical events or conflicts. However, consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning of aggressive raiding.

What's the difference between "maraud" and "wander"?

"Maraud" implies aggressive movement with the intent to raid or plunder, while "wander" simply means to move without a specific purpose. Using "wander" suggests a lack of direction or intent, which is different from the predatory nature of "maraud".