erbeuten
Translation
to capture, to loot, to get as booty, to prey on
Examples
Die Piraten erbeuteten viel Gold.
The pirates looted a lot of gold.
Der Löwe erbeutete ein Zebra.
The lion preyed on a zebra.
Grammar Patterns
((sth.)) to capture/loot ((sth.)) The thieves looted jewelry.
((sth.)) ((from sb./sth.)) to capture/loot ((sth.)) from ((sb./sth.)) They captured the weapons from the guards.
Similar Words
Synonyms: rauben (to rob), plündern (to plunder), fangen (to catch)
Etymology
Composed of 'er-' (a prefix indicating successful completion) and 'Beute' (prey, loot, booty). So, it means to successfully take something as prey or loot.
Memory Tips
Connect it directly to the noun 'die Beute' (booty). 'Erbeuten' is the verb form: the act of acquiring the booty.