Definition

A person who searches through a place in a messy or violent way, often to steal things.

Example

The ransacker left the house in disarray after searching for valuables.

Conversation

Did you hear about the break-in at the old house on Maple Street?

Yeah, they say it was a real ransacker who stole everything valuable.

That's so creepy! I can't believe someone would do that.

I hope they catch the ransacker before they hit another place.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Ransacker is formed from "ran" (from Old English "rān", meaning to plunder or rob) and "sacker" (from Old French "sacquer", meaning to sack or loot). The word describes someone who plunders or robs, particularly by searching through and taking valuables from a place.

Memory Tip

Think of someone 'plundering' ('ran') and 'sacking' ('sacker') a place — that's why ransacker means a person who robs or loots.

Visually Confused Words