rapacious

[ruh-pey-shuh s] /rəˈpeɪ ʃəs/
adjective
1.
given to seizing for plunder or the satisfaction of greed.
2.
inordinately greedy; predatory; extortionate:
a rapacious disposition.
3.
(of animals) subsisting by the capture of living prey; predacious.
Origin
1645-55; < Latin rapāci- (stem of rapāx greedy, akin to rapere to seize; see rape1) + -ous
Related forms
rapaciously, adverb
rapacity
[ruh-pas-i-tee] /rəˈpæs ɪ ti/ (Show IPA), rapaciousness, noun
unrapacious, adjective
unrapaciously, adverb
unrapaciousness, noun
Synonyms
2. ravenous, voracious, grasping; preying. See avaricious.
Antonyms
2. generous.
Examples from the web for rapacious
  • The oligarchs, as they were known, were rapacious sorts who jousted among themselves for spoils.
  • Many see him as a power-mad, rapacious right-wing vulgarian.
  • Barbarians were in awe of the empire and rapacious foreigners had not yet begun hammering at the door.
  • Insurance companies are rapacious and are not in the business of optimizing care.
  • The errant polychaetes are generally rapacious, and free-living.
British Dictionary definitions for rapacious

rapacious

/rəˈpeɪʃəs/
adjective
1.
practising pillage or rapine
2.
greedy or grasping
3.
(of animals, esp birds) subsisting by catching living prey
Derived Forms
rapaciously, adverb
rapacity (rəˈpæsɪtɪ), rapaciousness, noun
Word Origin
C17: from Latin rapāx grasping, from rapere to seize
Word Origin and History for rapacious
adj.

1650s, from Latin rapaci-, stem of rapax "grasping," itself from stem of rapere "to seize" (see rapacity) + -ous. Related: Rapaciously; rapaciousness.