Word: Plundered
Part of Speech: Verb (past tense of "plunder")
Definition: The word "plundered" means to have taken things by force, usually during a violent event, such as a robbery or war. When something is plundered, it is wrongfully emptied or stripped of anything of value.
Usage Instructions:
Context: Use "plundered" when talking about situations where people take valuable things unlawfully or violently.
Tense: Remember that "plundered" is in the past tense, so it describes something that has already happened.
Example Sentences:
"The robbers left the plundered train, taking all the money and valuables."
"After the war, people returned to the plundered village to find their homes destroyed and belongings stolen."
Advanced Usage:
In literature or historical contexts, "plundered" can describe not just physical theft but also metaphorical stripping of culture or resources. For example, “The empire plundered the land of its natural resources, leaving the local population impoverished.”
Word Variants:
Plunder (verb): To take goods by force.
Plunderer (noun): A person who plunders.
Plunder (noun): The act of plundering or the items that have been taken.
Different Meanings:
While "plundered" generally refers to stealing, it can also describe situations where something valuable has been taken away or destroyed without permission, such as cultural artifacts being removed from their original context.
Synonyms:
Looted
Pillaged
Robbed
Sacked
Despoiled
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
"Plunder the depths": This phrase can refer to thoroughly searching for something valuable, often in a metaphorical sense.
"Plunder away": A less common phrase that could mean to continue taking or stealing without restraint.
Summary:
"Plundered" is a powerful word that conveys the idea of taking valuable things through force or violence. It is often used in discussions about crime, war, or historical injustices.