1. searches through something thoroughly and often messily, typically looking for something specific
2. searches and robs a place, taking valuable items

Examples

• She ransacks her closet looking for the missing shoe.
• The detective ransacks the suspect’s apartment for evidence.
• He ransacks every drawer in the desk searching for his keys.
• The burglar ransacks the house while the family is away.
• Mom ransacks the kitchen cabinets trying to find the recipe.
• The student ransacks his backpack for a working pen.
• Pirates ransacks the coastal village for treasure and supplies.