ransack

• Durchsuchen eines Ortes oder Behälters gründlich und oft gewaltsam oder unordentlich, meist um etwas zu stehlen oder zu plündern; auch allgemein: wild durcheinanderwühlen.

A verb meaning to search thoroughly and roughly through a place, often causing disorder or damage, typically in order to steal something.

1. Steal goods; take as spoilsB2formal

   To go through a place, typically a building or area, stealing things and causing damage, often in a violent or chaotic way.

   Plündern

   • The invaders ransacked the village, taking everything of value.
   • Thieves ransacked the jewelry store, leaving the display cases shattered.
   • The ancient tomb had been ransacked centuries ago by grave robbers.

   Synonymedespoillootpillageplunderraidravagesack

2. Search thoroughlyB2informal

   To search a place very thoroughly and carelessly, often making a mess, in order to find something.

   Durchsuchen

   • I ransacked my entire room looking for my keys.
   • The police ransacked the suspect's apartment for evidence.
   • She ransacked the kitchen drawers trying to find a can opener.

   Synonymecombriflerummagescour