ransack
verb · noun
Simple meaning
To search for and steal as plunder.
Pronunciation
Say it like this:
ransakSay the bold part a little louder.
IPA pronunciation (US)
ˈɹænsæk
This word is pronounced essentially the same in American and British English, so one transcription covers both.
IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) is a standard way of writing speech sounds.
Definition
Everyday modern meanings first, grouped by part of speech.
verb
transitivechiefly passive voice
To search for and steal (something) as plunder.
Steal goods; take as spoils
transitive
To search (a place, through things, etc.) thoroughly, especially when vigorous and leaving behind a state of disarray.
transitive
To search (someone or a place) thoroughly in order to steal something, especially when vigorous and leaving behind a state of disarray; hence, to rob (someone or a place); to plunder.
noun
Synonym of ransacking ("an act of ransacking ("searching thoroughly (in order to steal); etc.") someone or something; an eager search").
Word at a Glance
- Difficulty
- C2 · Proficient (estimated)
- Typical Use
- Rare
Word Aura™
How this word commonly comes across.
Aura for this meaning
This meaning: (chiefly passive voice) To search for and steal (something) as plunder.
Used this way, ransack is a reasonably familiar word with a faintly unfavourable edge. It usually sounds natural in a wide range of settings.
- Emotional tone
- Slightly negative
- Formality
- Neutral
- Intensity
- Moderate
- How common
- Moderately common
- Connotation
- Critical or judgemental
- Usage feel
- Neutral and straightforward
Word Aura describes common impressions, not a measurement. Tone changes with sentence, speaker, relationship and situation.
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Dictionary data from Wiktionary via the Free Dictionary API. Simple meanings, combinations and word intelligence are built from verified reference data, no AI is used to load this page.