Loot
/luːt/
Loot is both a noun for stolen goods and a verb meaning to take property by force, commonly used in informal contexts.
Examples
- The pirates divided the loot equally among the crew.
- Authorities warned that storms could loot coastal towns.
- Police recovered most of the loot during the raid.
- She found a hidden stash of loot in the attic.
- Loot was scattered across the floor after the burglary.
Meanings
The term entered English via Dutch traders, originally referring to a share of plunder, and evolved to denote any stolen goods.
Examples
- Loot was scattered across the floor after the burglary.
- The pirates divided the loot equally among the crew.
- She found a hidden stash of loot in the attic.
- Police recovered most of the loot during the raid.
- He bragged about the loot he had acquired on his last heist.
The verb emerged from the noun as English speakers began to use the term to describe the act of taking loot.
Examples
- The invaders looted the village after the battle.
- She looted the abandoned store for supplies.
- They have been looting historic sites across the region.
- He looted the car and fled the scene.
- Authorities warned that storms could loot coastal towns.