reave

verb

ˈrēv How to pronounce reave (audio)
reaved or reft ˈreft How to pronounce reave (audio) ; reaving

intransitive verb

: plunder, rob

transitive verb

1
archaic
a(1)
: rob, despoil
(2)
: to deprive one of
b
: seize
2
archaic : to carry or tear away
reaver noun

Word History

Etymology

Middle English reven, from Old English rēafian; akin to Old High German roubōn to rob, Latin rumpere to break

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of reave was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near reave

reauthorize

reave

reavel

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Reave.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reave. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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