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Depredation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Depredation refers to the act of plundering, destroying, or causing severe damage, often by force. It is commonly used to describe the harmful actions of animals, humans, or natural forces.

depredation

/ˌdɛprɪˈdeɪʃən/ /ˌdɛprɪˈdeɪʃən/

Definition:

The act of plundering or destroying, often by force or exploitation.

Synonyms:

plunder, pillage, ravaging, despoliation

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

protection, preservation

Common Collocations:

human depredation, environmental depredation, wartime depredation

Derivatives:

depredate, depredator

Usage Tips:

Use "depredation" to describe severe damage or theft, especially by animals or invaders.

Common Phrases:

acts of depredation, wildlife depredation, coastal depredation

Etymology:

From Latin "depraedatio," meaning "plundering," from "de-" (thoroughly) + "praedari" (to plunder).

Examples:

  • 1. The wolves caused severe depredation among the farmer's livestock.
  • 2. Historical records detail the depredation of villages during the war.
  • 3. Environmentalists work to prevent the depredation of natural habitats by industry.
  • 4. Pirates were notorious for their depredation along trade routes centuries ago.

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