Definition

A person who steals goods during a time of chaos, like a riot or disaster.

Example

The looter took advantage of the situation to steal from the store.

Conversation

Did you hear about the looter who was caught during the protest last night?

Yeah, it’s crazy how some people take advantage of situations like that.

I can't believe someone would want to be a looter instead of helping out.

I know, right? It just shows how different people's values can be.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Looter → The word originates from the verb 'loot' (from Hindi 'lut', meaning to plunder or steal) combined with the suffix '-er' (meaning a person who). A 'looter' is therefore a person who engages in the act of stealing or plundering.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who 'plunders' ('loot') and the '-er' just means a person. A looter is someone who takes things by force.

Visually Confused Words