despoil

[ dih-spoil ]
/ dɪˈspɔɪl /

verb (used with object)

to strip of possessions, things of value, etc.; rob; plunder; pillage.

Origin of despoil

1175–1225; Middle English despoilen < Old French despoillier < Latin dēspoliāre to strip, rob, plunder, equivalent to dē- de- + spoliāre to plunder; see spoil

OTHER WORDS FROM despoil

de·spoil·er, noun de·spoil·ment, noun un·de·spoiled, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for despoil

British Dictionary definitions for despoil

despoil
/ (dɪˈspɔɪl) /

verb

(tr) to strip or deprive by force; plunder; rob; loot

Derived forms of despoil

despoiler, noun despoilment, noun

Word Origin for despoil

C13: from Old French despoillier, from Latin dēspoliāre, from de- + spoliāre to rob (esp of clothing); see spoil