Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

piracy

noun
/ˈpaɪrəsi/
Definition
The act of robbery or violence at sea or in the air, often involving the hijacking of ships or aircraft and the capture of their cargo or crew.
Examples
  • The rise of piracy in the Gulf of Aden has led to increased naval patrols.
  • She was accused of piracy for downloading movies without permission.
  • The famous pirate Captain Hook is a fictional representation of the piracy era.
Meaning
Piracy refers to criminal acts committed on the high seas, which include stealing from ships or attacking vessels to gain control of them. It can also metaphorically refer to the unauthorized use or reproduction of someone else’s work, especially in the context of intellectual property.
Synonyms
  • robbery
  • plundering
  • theft
  • buccaneering