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rapacity

noun

/rəˈpæs ɪ ti/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of rapacity

An intense greed, avarice, or insatiable desire for wealth or possessions.
"The ruler's rapacity knew no bounds as he plundered the nation's resources for personal gain."

Detailed meaning of rapacity

It denotes an aggressive and ruthless pursuit of resources, often at the expense of others. When someone exhibits rapacity, they display an extreme appetite for acquiring and hoarding material possessions or wealth, often without regard for ethical considerations or the well-being of others. It suggests an excessive and predatory nature, where one is driven by a constant hunger for accumulation and personal gain. Rapacity can be seen in various contexts, such as in business practices, where individuals or corporations engage in cutthroat tactics to maximize profits, or in historical accounts of conquest and exploitation, where individuals or nations aggressively seize resources and territories for their own benefit.

Example sentences containing rapacity

1. The rapacity of the corporation led to the exploitation of workers and environmental degradation.
2. The novel depicted a world driven by rapacity, where characters pursued wealth at any cost.
3. The politician's rapacity for power was evident in his ruthless tactics and disregard for the people's welfare.
4. The company's rapacity resulted in monopolistic control over the market, stifling competition.
5. The dictator's rapacity led to widespread poverty and suffering among the population.
6. The investor's rapacity blinded him to the social and environmental consequences of his actions.

History and etymology of rapacity

The noun 'rapacity' has its etymological origins in Latin. It can be traced back to the Latin word 'rapacitas,' which is derived from 'rapax,' meaning 'greedy' or 'rapacious.' 'Rapax' itself is formed from the verb 'rapere,' meaning 'to seize' or 'to snatch.' This Latin root 'rapere' has a strong connotation of taking something forcefully or voraciously, and it underlies the development of 'rapacity' to describe an intense greed, avarice, or insatiable desire for wealth or possessions. The word's etymology highlights the idea of a relentless and grasping desire for material gain, capturing the essence of rapacity.

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Further usage examples of rapacity

1. The CEO's rapacity was revealed through exorbitant executive bonuses while workers faced layoffs.
2. The historical figure was notorious for his rapacity, conquering lands and amassing vast riches.
3. The documentary shed light on the rapacity of the logging industry, devastating forests and habitats.
4. The court case exposed the rapacity of the fraudsters, who defrauded countless investors.
5. The poet's words condemned the rapacity of human nature, urging for compassion and empathy instead.
6. The CEO's rapacity knew no bounds; he amassed vast wealth.
7. The villain's rapacity led to the plundering of the kingdom.
8. His rapacity for power made him a feared dictator.
9. The rapacity of the oil industry harms the environment.
10. The character's rapacity in the story symbolizes corporate greed.
11. Her rapacity for designer fashion drained her bank account.
12. The government's rapacity in taxation angered the citizens.
13. The movie portrayed the rapacity of Wall Street executives.
14. His rapacity for control led to the downfall of the company.
15. The novel explores the rapacity of the human heart.
16. The explorer's rapacity for treasure drove him to risky ventures.
17. The historical figure was known for his rapacity in conquests.
18. The criminal's rapacity for stolen goods landed him in jail.
19. The documentary exposed the rapacity of the pharmaceutical industry.
20. The corporation's rapacity for profits ignored worker welfare.
21. The politician's rapacity for campaign donations was evident.
22. The protagonist's rapacity for revenge consumed his life.
23. The country suffered under the rapacity of corrupt leaders.
24. The art thief's rapacity for priceless paintings was notorious.
25. The court case revealed the rapacity of corporate corruption.