Definition

To rob or take away valuable things from someone, often by force.

Example

The invaders came to spoliate the village, taking everything of value.

Tense Forms

Conversation

Did you hear about that museum heist last night?

Yeah, they said the thieves really spoliate the place!

It's crazy how people can just spoliate such historical artifacts.

I know, right? It’s so sad to see culture being robbed like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Spoliate → It is formed from "spoliare" (meaning to strip or plunder) and the suffix "-ate" (indicating to make or to cause). The word "spoliate" means to strip someone of their possessions or to plunder.

Memory Tip

Think of the act of 'stripping' ('spoliare') someone of their belongings — that's why spoliate means to take away or plunder.

Visually Confused Words