1. acts of attacking and robbing; plundering or pillaging
Usage: formal; often used in historical contexts

Examples

• The village suffered from the depredations of bandits who stole livestock and crops.
• Historical records document the depredations of Viking raiders along the coast.
• The army’s depredations left the countryside devastated and impoverished.
• Local farmers organized patrols to protect against the depredations of cattle thieves.
• The museum exhibit showed artifacts recovered after the depredations of war.
• Environmental groups protested the depredations of illegal logging companies.