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Definition of ransack

ransack

/ˈræn.sæk/
ran · sack
Past Simple:ransacked
•
Past Participle:ransacked
•
Present Participle:ransacking
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ransack Lexical Profile

ransack Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To go through a place stealing things and causing damage or disorder.

Example

"Burglars broke in overnight and ransacked the office, leaving papers and broken glass scattered across the floor."

2

To search a place, container, or collection thoroughly and hurriedly, often creating a mess in the process.

Example

"She had to ransack the entire attic before finally locating the original deed to the property."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

rankle
rankly
rankness
ransack
ransom
ransomware
rant

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed into Middle English from Old Norse 'rannsaka' ('to search a house for stolen goods'), a compound of 'rann' ('house') and 'saka' (related to 'seek'). Despite the spelling similarity, it is etymologically unrelated to the verb 'sack' meaning to plunder.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ransack. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ransack
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