What's the difference between
and
Enter two words to compare and contrast their definitions, origins, and synonyms to better understand how those words are related.

Pillage vs Pilfer - What's the difference?

pillage | pilfer | Related terms |

As verbs the difference between pillage and pilfer

is that pillage is to loot or plunder by force, especially in time of war while pilfer is to steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft.

As a noun pillage

is the spoils of war.

pillage

English

Verb

(pillag)
  • (ambitransitive) To loot or plunder by force, especially in time of war.
  • * 1911 , ,
    • Archibald V. (1361-1397) was Count of Perigord. He was nominally under the lilies [France], but he pillaged indiscriminately in his county.

    Noun

    (-)
  • The spoils of war.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Which pillage they with merry march bring home.
  • The act of pillaging.

    • Noun

    (m)
  • looting

    • Related terms

    * ----

    pilfer

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To steal in small quantities, or articles of small value; to practise petty theft.

    • Derived terms

    * pilferage * pilferer