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Ransacked - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

Ransacked means to search a place thoroughly and violently, often leaving it in disorder. It implies a hurried or aggressive action, typically during theft or a raid.

ransacked

/ˈrænˌsækt/ /ˈrɑːnsækt/

Definition:

To search thoroughly and violently, often causing damage or disorder.

Synonyms:

looted, pillaged, plundered, ravaged

Part of Speech:

verb

Antonyms:

protected, secured

Common Collocations:

ransacked house, ransacked room, ransacked office

Derivatives:

ransacking, ransacker

Usage Tips:

Use "ransacked" to describe a violent or chaotic search that leaves things disorganized or damaged.

Common Phrases:

ransacked the place, left ransacked, completely ransacked

Etymology:

From Middle English *ransaken*, from Old Norse *rannsaka* ("to search a house").

Examples:

  • 1. The burglars ransacked the apartment looking for valuables.
  • 2. She returned to find her desk had been ransacked during the break-in.
  • 3. The soldiers ransacked the village after the battle.
  • 4. His room looked like it had been ransacked by a tornado.
  • 5. The thieves ransacked the store and fled before dawn.

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