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Definition of rapacious

rapacious

/rəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/
ra · pa · cious
Adverb:rapaciously
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rapacious Lexical Profile

rapacious Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Aggressively greedy or grasping; given to seizing for plunder or taking by force.

Example

"The historian documented how rapacious landlords exploited the tenant farmers through exorbitant rents."

2

Living on prey; predatory or ravenous (especially of animals or appetites).

Example

"Hawks and other rapacious birds rely on keen eyesight and sharp talons to hunt small mammals."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for rapacious

• Nearby Words

ranunculus
raoulia
rap
rapacious
rapaciously
rape
rapel river

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-17th century from Latin rapax (genitive rapacis), meaning 'grasping' or 'greedy', derived from the verb rapere ('to seize or carry off'), which also gave English 'raptor' and 'rapture'.

Cite this Entry

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