loot

When large, uncontrollable groups of people steal from stores and businesses, the word "loot" is used to describe the activity.

• Rioters looted.
• The looted local stores and businesses.
• They stores were looted. (This sentence is in the passive voice.)
• There was widespread looting last night. (The word "looting" is a gerund in this sentence.)
• Several looters were arrested. (A "looter" is a person who loots.)
• Homeowners who feared looting stayed inside their homes with their guns drawn.

Once the man started looting his friends joined in.

The word "loot" can also be used as a noun to describe money.

• The company made a lot of loot last year.
• A million dollars is a lot of loot.
• Thieves made off with the loot. (make off = steal)

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April 28, 2015