rapacious
adjective
Aggressively greedy or grasping; living on prey; plundering or exploiting.
Etymology
From Latin rapax meaning "grasping," from rapere (to seize, snatch), which also gives us "rape," "rapid," and "raptor."
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The rapacious corporation exploited workers in developing countries."
- 2.
"Eagles and hawks are rapacious birds that hunt smaller animals."
- 3.
"His rapacious appetite for power ultimately led to his downfall."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
The word raptor (birds of prey) comes from the same Latin root rapere. Velociraptors were named "swift seizers" - a fitting description for these predatory dinosaurs.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 9 letters (R, A, P, A, C, I, O, U, S)
Scrabble Value: 13 points
Tip: Words ending in "US" are often good scoring opportunities.
Put Your Vocabulary to the Test!
Ready to find words like "rapacious" in a puzzle? Try today's Zabble challenge!