rapacious
adjective
Aggressively greedy or grasping; given to seizing or plundering. Describes an insatiable desire to acquire at others' expense.
Etymology
From Latin "rapax" (grasping, rapacious), from "rapere" (to seize, snatch). Related to "raptor," "rape," and "rapid"—all involving seizing.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"Rapacious developers demolished historic buildings for profit."
- 2.
"The rapacious appetite of the empire consumed neighboring kingdoms."
- 3.
"Rapacious lending practices trapped borrowers in debt."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Birds of prey are called "raptors" from the same root—they seize prey with their talons. The metaphor of rapacious behavior compares greedy humans to predatory birds.
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.
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