despoliation
noun
de·spo·li·a·tion
| \ di-ˌspō-lē-ˈā-shən
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Definition of despoliation
: the action or process of despoiling : spoliation
Examples of despoliation in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
That sum was intended to protect habitat as a tradeoff to potential despoliation caused by fossil fuel development. — Todd Wilkinson, National Geographic, "Far-reaching protections for Yellowstone, other Western lands pass Congress," 27 Feb. 2019 The tool shows other forms of environmental despoliation, including deforestation, coral bleaching, night fires, and glacier depletion as well as sea level rise. — NBC News, "Here's how rising seas could swallow up these coastal cities," 9 May 2018 The department has sometimes imposed serious penalties for environmental despoliation of Alaska land and waters. — Steve Haycox, Anchorage Daily News, "Economic reality sets the stage for tension over ANWR drilling," 9 Mar. 2018 Even in this deeply conservative corner of rural America, fear of environmental despoliation and a sense of being exploited is propelling many to denounce Nestlé’s demand for more. — Steve Friess, The Seattle Times, "Where Nestlé guzzles water, local residents doubt claims of negligible impact," 25 May 2017 Even in this deeply conservative corner of rural America, fear of environmental despoliation and a sense of being exploited is propelling many to denounce Nestlé’s demand for more. — Steve Friess, New York Times, "Where Nestlé Guzzles Water, Michigan Neighbors Take Exception," 24 May 2017 Even in this deeply conservative corner of rural America, fear of environmental despoliation and a sense of being exploited is propelling many to denounce Nestlé’s demand for more. — Steve Friess, The Seattle Times, "Where Nestlé guzzles water, local residents doubt claims of negligible impact," 25 May 2017 But what is so civilized about mass slaughter, torture and planetary despoliation in the name of anything or anybody? — Stephen Holden, New York Times, "Movie Review: ‘Embrace of the Serpent’," 16 Feb. 2016These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'despoliation.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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