brigandage
Definition
Noun: - The practice or activity of being a brigand: "brigandage" refers to the act of engaging in banditry, robbery, and plundering, typically carried out by groups of outlaws or bandits, especially in remote or mountainous areas.
Usage Examples
- (The area was known for frequent robberies by armed bandits.)
- (They sent soldiers to stop the organized theft and violence by outlaws.)
Advanced Usage
"to engage in brigandage": to participate in organized robbery and plundering.
- Deserters from the army turned to brigandage to survive. (They became outlaws who robbed travelers.)
"an act of brigandage": a specific instance of robbery or plundering by a brigand.
- The attack on the merchant caravan was an act of pure brigandage. (It was a violent robbery by bandits.)
Variants and Related Words
Brigand (n): a member of a band of robbers, especially one operating in mountainous or isolated areas.
- The brigand was captured after a long chase. (The bandit was caught.)
Brigandish (adj): characteristic of a brigand; lawless and predatory.
- His brigandish behavior shocked the peaceful villagers. (His actions were like those of a robber.)
Synonyms
- Banditry: organized robbery and violence by gangs of outlaws.
- Plunder: the act of stealing goods violently, especially during war or conflict.
- Marauding: roaming in search of things to steal or people to attack.
Related Idioms
"a life of brigandage": a lifestyle of continuous robbery and lawlessness.
- He abandoned his family and took up a life of brigandage in the hills. (He became a full-time bandit.)
"to resort to brigandage": to turn to robbery as a means of survival.
- When the crops failed, some farmers resorted to brigandage. (They became bandits to feed themselves.)