rapacious

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Adjective 1.3.1 Usage notes 1.3.2 Synonyms 1.3.3 Related terms 1.3.4 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

Perhaps from rapacity + -ous, in any case ultimately from Latin rapax (“‘grasping, greedy’”).

[edit] Pronunciation

• (UK, US) IPA: /rəˈpeɪ.ʃəs/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}
• Rhymes: -eɪʃəs

[edit] Adjective

rapacious (comparative more rapacious, superlative most rapacious)

1. Voracious; avaricious.
   • 1787, Alexander Hamilton, Federalist No. 6: Concerning Dangers from Dissensions Between the States,

     To presume a want of motives for such contests [of power between states] as an argument against their existence, would be to forget that men are ambitious, vindictive, and rapacious.

2. Given to taking by force or plundering.
   • 1910, Niccolò Machiavelli (translated by Ninian Hill Thomson), The Prince, Chapter XIX,

     A Prince [...] sooner becomes hated by being rapacious and by interfering with the property and with the women of his subjects, than in any other way.

3. Said of an animal, usually a bird, that subsists off of live prey.
   • 1827, James Fenimore Cooper, The Prairie, Chapter XIII,

     Even the rapacious birds appeared to comprehend the nature of the ceremony, for [...] they once more began to make their airy circuits above the place [...]

[edit] Usage notes

• The use of this term for animals other than birds is dated.

[edit] Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:greedy

[edit] Related terms

• rapaciously
• rapaciousness
• rapacity

[edit] Translations