rapine

noun

rap·​ine ˈra-pən How to pronounce rapine (audio) -ˌpīn How to pronounce rapine (audio)

Examples of rapine in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web If his decades-long track record is any indication, Sanders would be inclined to make excuses for our adversaries and look on the bright side of their repression and rapine. Rich Lowry, National Review, 25 Feb. 2020 There is no question about the general philosophy that underlay this great act of public pillage and economic rapine. Charles P. Pierce, Esquire, 13 Mar. 2013

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'rapine.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "robbery, violent seizure of goods," borrowed from Anglo-French, borrowed from Latin rapīna "forcible carrying off of property, seizure and carrying off of a woman," from rapere "to seize and carry off" + -īna, deverbal suffix, noun derivative from feminine of -īnus -ine entry 1 — more at rapid entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of rapine was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near rapine

Cite this Entry

“Rapine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rapine. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

rapine

noun
rap·​ine ˈrap-ən How to pronounce rapine (audio)
-ˌīn
: the seizing and carrying away of something by force

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