略奪する

• Reading: りゃくだつする
• Romaji: ryakudatsu suru
• Kanji breakdown: 略 (ryaku) — seize, plunder; 奪 (datsu) — take by force, rob
• Pronunciation: /ɾja.kɯ.da.t͡sɯ.sɯ.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To plunder; to loot; to pillage. To seize property by force, especially during conflict or disorder.

A する verb meaning to seize goods or property by force — looting, plundering, or pillaging. Primarily used in historical, military, and news contexts: 略奪行為 (acts of looting), 略奪品 (plundered goods). Can also be used figuratively for aggressively taking what belongs to others. A strong, serious word — not used casually. The noun form 略奪 is equally common.

Examples

1. 戦争中、多くの文化財が略奪された。 During the war, many cultural artifacts were plundered.
2. 暴動の際に商店が略奪される事件が起きた。 During the riots, incidents of shops being looted occurred.
3. 略奪された美術品の返還を求める声が高まっている。 Calls for the return of looted artworks are growing louder.

Usage Guide

Context: history, military, news, conflict

Tone: serious

Origin & History

From Sino-Japanese 略 (ryaku, to seize/plunder — different sense from 'abbreviate') + 奪 (datsu, to take by force/rob). Together: 'to seize and take by force' — forcible plundering.

Cultural Context

Era: Classical

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal