piracy

pi·ra·cy

noun \ˈpī-rə-sē\

plural pi·ra·cies

Definition of PIRACY

1

: an act of robbery on the high seas; also : an act resembling such robbery

2

: robbery on the high seas

3

a : the unauthorized use of another's production, invention, or conception especially in infringement of a copyright b : the illicit accessing of broadcast signals

Examples of PIRACY

1. piracy on the high seas
2. <many countries have harsh penalties for piracy now>

Origin of PIRACY

Medieval Latin piratia, from Late Greek peirateia, from Greek peiratēs pirate

First Known Use: 1537

Related to PIRACY

Synonyms: pirating

Related Words: depredation, despoilment, despoliation, looting, marauding, pillaging, plunder, plundering, raiding, robbery, sacking; privateering

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Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi