Pillage vs. Plunder: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 16, 2023
"Pillage" refers to the act of robbing a place using violence, especially during wartime, while "plunder" means to steal goods typically using force in times of disorder or war.
Difference Between Pillage and Plunder
"Pillage" and "plunder" are both verbs that describe the act of forcefully taking or stealing goods, especially during chaotic times such as war or civil unrest. However, their nuances and usage can provide some distinctions between the two terms.
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
"Pillage" emphasizes the violence or destruction involved when robbing or despoiling an area, especially in the context of wartime. When an army or group pillages, it's not just about theft, but the added dimension of destructiveness that accompanies the act. The term paints a picture of soldiers breaking into homes, destroying property, and taking whatever they want, leaving devastation in their wake.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Conversely, "plunder" broadly refers to the act of taking goods by force. While it can also be associated with violence, its primary focus is on the theft itself rather than the destruction that may accompany it. Plundering might happen in various scenarios: pirates might plunder a ship, or a mob might plunder stores during a riot.
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
Both terms often appear interchangeably in historical texts or accounts of war, as they both revolve around acts of theft during turbulent times. However, "pillage" tends to be more specific to the destruction and theft in war scenarios, whereas "plunder" has a slightly broader scope, encompassing any act of forceful theft, regardless of the backdrop.
Olivia
Nov 16, 2023
In summary, while "pillage" and "plunder" can sometimes be used interchangeably due to their overlap in meanings, their nuances make them distinct. Pillage emphasizes both violence and theft, particularly in war, while plunder focuses more on the act of stealing goods by force, not strictly limited to war scenarios.
Leo
Nov 16, 2023
Pillage vs. Plunder Comparison Chart
Primary Focus
Violent robbery, especially during war.
Theft by force, especially during disorder.
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
Associated Destruction
Usually involves destruction along with theft.
May or may not involve destruction.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Context
Primarily wartime scenarios.
Wartime, piracy, riots, or any form of disorder.
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
Nuance
Emphasizes violence accompanying theft.
Centers on the act of theft itself.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Usage in Literature
Often pertains to armies or groups in war.
More varied, can involve pirates, mobs, or armies.
Nolan
Nov 16, 2023
Pillage vs. Plunder Definitions
◉Pillage
To take as spoils through violence.
The soldiers were ordered not to pillage.
Henry
Sep 15, 2023
◉Plunder
The act of looting, especially during war or disorder.
The plunder from the raid was immense.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Pillage
Despoiling a place, especially during war.
Historical texts often recount the pillage of ancient cities.
Muazma Batool
Sep 15, 2023
◉Plunder
To take wrongfully, as by pillage or fraud.
The corrupt officials were found to plunder the country's resources.
Levi
Sep 15, 2023
◉Pillage
The act of looting or robbing by force.
The aftermath of the war saw widespread pillage.
William
Sep 15, 2023
◉Plunder
To rob of goods by force, especially in time of war; pillage
plunder a village.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
(transitive) To pillage, take or destroy all the goods of, by force (as in war); to raid, sack.
The mercenaries plundered the small town.
The shopkeeper was plundered of his possessions by the burglar.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillage
(ambitransitive) To loot or plunder by force, especially in time of war.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
(transitive) To take (goods) by pillage.
The mercenaries plundered all the goods they found.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
(intransitive) To take by force or wrongfully; to commit robbery or looting, to raid.
“Now to plunder, mateys!” screamed a buccaneer, to cries of “Arrgh!” and “Aye!” all around.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
(transitive) To make extensive (over)use of, as if by plundering; to use or use up wrongfully.
The miners plundered the jungle for its diamonds till it became a muddy waste.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillage
That which is taken from another or others by open force, particularly and chiefly from enemies in war; plunder; spoil; booty.
Which pillage they with merry march bring home.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillage
To strip of money or goods by open violence; to plunder; to spoil; to lay waste; as, to pillage the camp of an enemy.
Mummius . . . took, pillaged, and burnt their city.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
The loot attained by plundering.
The Hessian kept his choicest plunder in a sack that never left his person, for fear that his comrades would steal it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillage
To take spoil; to plunder; to ravage.
They were suffered to pillage wherever they went.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
To take the goods of by force, or without right; to pillage; to spoil; to sack; to strip; to rob; as, to plunder travelers.
Nebuchadnezzar plunders the temple of God.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillage
the act of stealing valuable things from a place;
the plundering of the Parthenon
his plundering of the great authors
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
To take by pillage; to appropriate forcibly; as, the enemy plundered all the goods they found.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillage
steal goods; take as spoils;
During the earthquake people looted the stores that were deserted by their owners
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
The act of plundering or pillaging; robbery. See Syn. of Pillage.
Inroads and plunders of the Saracens.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Pillage
To strip ruthlessly of money or goods.
The tyrant used his power to pillage the treasury.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 15, 2023
◉Plunder
That which is taken by open force from an enemy; pillage; spoil; booty; also, that which is taken by theft or fraud.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
take illegally; of intellectual property;
This writer plundered from famous authors
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
steal goods; take as spoils;
During the earthquake people looted the stores that were deserted by their owners
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
destroy and strip of its possession;
The soldiers raped the beautiful country
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Plunder
To take by pillage or theft.
The looters continued to plunder throughout the night.
Jonathan
Sep 15, 2023
Pillage vs. Plunder Frequently Asked Questions
Can a city be both pillaged and plundered?
Yes, it can be robbed violently and have its goods stolen.
Kaitlyn
Nov 16, 2023
Are pillage and plunder synonymous?
They're similar but pillage emphasizes violence, while plunder focuses on theft.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Is pillaging only done during wars?
Mostly, but any violent robbery can be termed as pillage.
Jonathan
Nov 16, 2023
Do pirates pillage or plunder?
Pirates typically plunder ships, but they can also pillage areas.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
Which term is older, pillage or plunder?
Both have ancient origins, but their usage varies based on context.
Olivia
Nov 16, 2023
Can you plunder without using force?
Plunder implies forceful theft, usually involving some form of coercion.
Muazma Batool
Nov 16, 2023
Does plunder always result in destruction?
Not always, it primarily denotes forceful theft.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 16, 2023
In literature, which term is more commonly associated with Vikings?
Both are used, but Vikings are often said to "plunder" coasts.
Olivia
Nov 16, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
