depredation

noun

dep·​re·​da·​tion ˌdeprəˈdāshən How to pronounce depredation (audio)
plural -s
Synonyms of depredationnext
1
a
: the act of depredating or the state of being depredated : an act of plundering, despoiling, or making inroads
b
depredations plural : ravages
trying to ease the depredations of the disease
2
Scots law : the forcible driving away of cattle in large numbers

Word History

Etymology

Middle English depredacioun, from Middle French or Late Latin; Middle French depredation, from Late Latin depraedation-, depraedatio, from depraedatus + Latin -ion-, -io -ion

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Cite this Entry

“Depredation.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/depredation. Accessed 18 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

depredation

noun
dep·​re·​da·​tion
ˌdep-rə-ˈdā-shən
: the action or an act of looting or laying waste

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