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rapacious
IPA:
Dictionary definition of rapacious
Excessively greedy or grasping, especially when it comes to acquiring wealth, power or resources.
"The rapacious landlord demanded an exorbitant rent from his tenants."
Detailed meaning of rapacious
It is characterized by a strong desire to acquire or control more than one needs, or by using means that are considered morally or legally wrong to acquire what one wants.
Rapacious people or entities are often seen as exploitative, predatory and taking advantage of others, showing a lack of moral scruples. They can be seen as ruthless, selfish, and lacking empathy.
It is also used to describe an animal that preys on other animals, and also can be used as a metaphor to describe an organization or group that takes advantage of others for their gain. It could be used in negative connotation and it can be seen as a criticism, especially when it comes to how that person or organization acquires power or resources.
Example sentences containing rapacious
1. The rapacious CEO cut employee benefits to boost his own bonus.
2. Her rapacious appetite for power led her to unethical practices.
3. The rapacious developer had no regard for the environment.
4. He had a rapacious desire for success, often ignoring moral lines.
5. The rapacious politician exploited public funds for personal gain.
6. His rapacious nature led him to hoard valuable resources.
History and etymology of rapacious
The adjective 'rapacious' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'rapax,' which is derived from 'rapere,' meaning 'to seize' or 'to take by force.' In its original Latin form, 'rapax' described a person or entity that had a strong inclination to seize or take things aggressively. As it transitioned into English, it retained this sense of excessive greed or grasping, especially when it comes to acquiring wealth, power, or resources. The word 'rapacious' carries the connotation of a predatory and unrelenting desire to acquire, often at the expense of others. Its etymology can be traced back to the Latin root 'rapere,' emphasizing the idea of seizing or taking by force, which underlies the concept of rapacious behavior.
Further usage examples of rapacious
1. The rapacious landlord kept raising rents despite tenant protests.
2. With rapacious intent, the company acquired all its competitors.
3. The rapacious lion hunted more than it needed for survival.
4. Rapacious mining practices depleted the area of natural resources.
5. A rapacious hunger for knowledge drove her academic achievements.
6. The rapacious collector sought rare art at any cost.
7. His rapacious greed was evident in his ruthless business dealings.
8. The rapacious investor bought up properties in a struggling neighborhood.
9. Rapacious logging companies are endangering the local wildlife.
10. The rapacious pirate plundered ships for their valuable cargo.
11. In the play, the rapacious villain tried to seize the kingdom.
12. Rapacious firms were draining the economy of smaller nations.
13. Her rapacious tendencies made her unpopular in social circles.
14. The rapacious sales tactics left customers feeling exploited.
15. The company's rapacious practices resulted in a lot of negative publicity.
16. The bird's rapacious beak made short work of its prey.
17. The rapacious businessman never had enough wealth and power.
18. The politician's rapacious ambitions knew no bounds.
19. The rapacious appetite of the predator threatened the survival of other species.
20. The company's rapacious pursuit of profits led to the exploitation of workers.
21. The rapacious swarm of insects stripped the crops bare in a matter of hours.
22. The rapacious greed of the colonial powers led to the exploitation of many countries.
23. The rapacious behavior of the new CEO made the employees uneasy.
24. The rapacious attitude of the mining company threatened the fragile ecosystem.
25. The rapacious desire for control led to the downfall of many dictators.
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Personality and Character Traits, Burden and Stress, Wealth and Desire
acquisitive,avaricious,covetous,extortionate,gluttonous,insatiable,materialistic,mercenary,voracious
grasping,greedy,predatory
Synonyms for rapacious
Quiz categories containing rapacious
greedy, generous, charitable, altruistic
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