1. to attack and rob; to plunder or pillage
Usage: formal
2. to prey upon or exploit destructively
Usage: formal

Examples

• Pirates would depredate coastal towns along the trade routes.
• The invading army depredated the countryside, leaving villages in ruins.
• Corrupt officials depredated the public treasury for personal gain.
• The company was accused of depredating natural resources without regard for conservation.
• Bandits depredated merchant caravans crossing the desert.
• The scandal revealed how executives had depredated pension funds.
• Wild animals sometimes depredate crops during drought seasons.