I. ˈran|sak, ˈraan- transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English ransaken, from Old Norse rannsaka, from rann house + -saka (akin to Old Norse sœkja to seek) — more at rest , seek
1. : to look very thoroughly and zealously through : search often forcefully or roughly : rummage
ransacked the kitchen for candles — Dorothy Sayers
2. : to subject to close investigation or study : examine critically and carefully
with the true persistence of a scholar has ransacked all the authorities — T.G.Bergin
ransacked literature and the dictionary for the unusual word — J.G.Southworth
3. : to remove wealth or valuables from : plunder
ransacked the premises
Synonyms: see seek
II. noun
( -s )
archaic : the act of ransacking