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Despoliation - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Despoliation means the act of plundering or destroying something, especially natural resources or cultural heritage, often leaving it ruined or stripped of value. It implies severe damage or exploitation.

despoliation

/dɪˌspoʊliˈeɪʃən/ /dɪˌspəʊliˈeɪʃən/

Definition:

The act of plundering or stripping something of value, often leaving it ruined.

Synonyms:

plundering, pillaging, looting, ravaging

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

restoration, preservation

Common Collocations:

environmental despoliation, wartime despoliation, cultural despoliation

Derivatives:

despoil, despoiler

Usage Tips:

Use "despoliation" to describe severe destruction or theft, especially of natural or cultural resources.

Common Phrases:

the despoliation of nature, the despoliation of heritage sites

Etymology:

Derived from Latin "despoliatio," meaning "a plundering," from "despoliare" (to strip, rob).

Examples:

  • 1. The unchecked mining led to the despoliation of the forest.
  • 2. Historians lament the despoliation of ancient artifacts during the war.
  • 3. Urban expansion often results in the despoliation of rural landscapes.
  • 4. The treaty aimed to prevent further despoliation of coastal ecosystems.

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