Pronunciation: [də spˈɔ͡ɪl] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the word "de spoil" is actually "despoil." The word means to strip something of its possessions or valuables. It is pronounced as /dih-spoyl/ with the stress on the second syllable. The "s" before "p" indicates that the word is derived from the Latin word "spoliare," which also means to rob or plunder. "Despoil" is a formal and literary term that is often used in historical or creative writing.
"Despoil" is a verb that refers to the act of stripping, plundering, or looting something or someone. It is usually used in the context of forcefully taking away possessions, resources, or qualities from a person, group, or place.
The term "despoil" often carries a negative connotation, implying an act of destruction or harm. It signifies the act of robbing or pilfering in a disruptive or invasive manner, often resulting in the depletion of valuable goods or qualities. Additionally, "despoil" can also be applied metaphorically, where it describes the act of depriving someone or something of its intrinsic qualities or attributes that define its character or worth.
The word dates back to the 13th century and is derived from the Old French word "despoiller," which means "to strip bare." Its Latin origin, "despoliare," carries a similar meaning. The term is used in various contexts, including historical accounts of war and conquest, where nations or conquerors despoil defeated territories of their wealth and resources. It can also describe the act of vandalizing or desecrating a location or object, stripping it of its value or integrity.
In summary, "despoil" emphasizes forcefully taking away or striping valuable possessions, resources, or qualities from someone or something, often with a sense of destruction or harm.
The word "despoil" originates from the Middle English word "despoilen", which can be traced back to the Old French word "despoillier". The Old French term is derived from the Latin word "despoliare", which breaks down into "de-" meaning "from" and "spoliare" meaning "to strip of one's garments or possessions". Ultimately, "spoliare" itself can be traced back to the Latin word "spolium", meaning "the skin or hide of an animal", which gradually evolved to mean "spoils" or "plunder".
