Spanish Conversation · Level 163
30 words
Spanish word
pillaje
Pronunciation
IPA/piˈʝaxe/
Meaning
- masculine nounlooting
Example
Tras la guerra hubo mucho pillaje en la ciudad.
After the war there was a lot of looting in the city.
More examples
Los comerciantes cerraron temprano por temor al pillaje.
The merchants closed early for fear of looting.
Core concept
A crowd breaking into shops and hauling out goods during chaotic rioting.
Similar words
saqueo: Large-scale looting of goods from inside buildings during unrest or armed conflict.
rapiña: Quick, often violent seizure of goods from people or places.
Definition in Spanish
Acción de apoderarse de bienes por la fuerza o el desorden, normalmente de forma colectiva durante conflictos, disturbios o saqueos.
Word origin
From Old French pillage (from piller 'to plunder'), ultimately from Medieval Latin pillare meaning 'to strip off'.
Usage tips
- Refers to collective plunder in war, riots, or disasters; for an individual theft Spanish speakers use robo or hurto instead.