Definition of "depredation" in English

noun

1. An act of consuming agricultural resources (crops, livestock), especially as plunder.

   • Depredation of cultivated crops by elephants is widespread in both Africa and Asia.

2. A raid or predatory attack.

   • Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman had long known that his fragile supply and communication lines through Tennessee were in serious jeopardy because of depredations by Forrest's cavalry raids. (Battle of Brice's Crossroads)