rapacious
What does "rapacious" mean?
Rapacious describes an insatiable, aggressive, and often greedy desire to take everything for oneself. The mental image is of a predator or a ruthless individual snatching up resources, wealth, or power without any regard for others or moral restraint. It is a strong, negative term typically used to describe people, corporations, or systems that are predatory in their pursuit of gain. You will often see it paired with nouns like "greed," "appetite," or "landlords," conveying a sense of cold, calculated exploitation.
"rapacious" in conversation
Discussing a corporate takeover
Did you see the new acquisition? They're gutting the company.
Did you see the new acquisition? They're gutting the company.
It's the work of a rapacious investment firm. They don't care about the staff.
It's the work of a rapacious investment firm. They don't care about the staff.
Used here to emphasize the ruthless and destructive nature of the firm.
Historical commentary
The colonial era was defined by the rapacious extraction of natural resources.
The colonial era was defined by the rapacious extraction of natural resources.
So it wasn't just trade; it was outright plunder?
So it wasn't just trade; it was outright plunder?
Shows the word's common usage in academic or historical contexts regarding exploitation.
"rapacious" in a sentence
The rapacious wolf hunted down the straggler in the pack.
The rapacious wolf hunted down the straggler in the pack.
He was known for his rapacious appetite for power and influence.
He was known for his rapacious appetite for power and influence.
The local economy collapsed under the weight of rapacious creditors who seized every asset in sight.
The local economy collapsed under the weight of rapacious creditors who seized every asset in sight.
