Depredation \Dep`re*da"tion\, n. [L. depraedatio: cf. F. d['e]pr['e]dation.] The act of depredating, or the state of being depredated; the act of despoiling or making inroads; as, the sea often makes depredation on the land. web1913

depredation n : an act of plundering [syn: {predation}, {preying}] wn