rapacious
UK: rəˈpeɪʃəs | US: rəˈpeɪʃəs
adj. excessively greedy or grasping, especially for money or resources
adj. (of animals) predatory; inclined to seize prey
rapacious = rap<seize> + acious<adjective suffix, full of>
- rap (from Latin rapere, meaning "to seize or snatch")
- acious (Latin-derived suffix -ax, -acis, meaning "inclined to" or "full of")
Etymology Origin:
The word rapacious traces back to the Latin rapax ("grasping"), from rapere ("to seize"). It entered English in the 17th century, originally describing predatory animals but later extending to human greed. The root rap- appears in related words like rapid (seizing time) and rapture (seized by emotion). The suffix -acious intensifies the sense of habitual action, painting a vivid picture of relentless taking.
The rapacious landlord raised rents despite the tenants' protests.
Hawks are rapacious hunters, swooping down on unsuspecting prey.
Critics accused the corporation of rapacious exploitation of natural resources.
His rapacious appetite for power alienated even his allies.
The pirate's rapacious looting left the coastal villages in ruin.