depredation
/ˌdɛprɪˈdeɪʃən/
noun
Origin
Latin
depraedatio — a plundering or pillaging
Overview
Meaning Now
- An act of attacking or plundering; predatory activity.
- Damage or loss inflicted by such actions.
Literal older meaning
the act of plundering
Language path
Latin → Old French → English
Earliest form
depredation
Earliest period
17th century
Journey
The term is rooted in the Latin 'praeda' (booty/prey), which also gives us the word 'predator'. It was adopted into English during a period of increased maritime activity and colonial expansion, often used to describe acts of piracy or organized pillaging.
Evolution
- Latin
praedari
“to plunder”
- Latin
depraedatio
“a plundering”
Added the intensive prefix de-.
- Middle French
déprédation
“act of pillaging”
- English
depredation
“plundering, ravaging”
First appeared in English literary texts in the early 17th century.
Connections
Word parts
de-
prefix
down or thoroughly
praed
root
plunder or prey
-ation
suffix
process or state
Related across languages
French
déprédation
depredation
Spanish
depredación
depredation
Explore next
Related to depredation
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.