ransacking

ransacking
    n 1: a thorough search for something (often causing disorder or
         confusion); "he gave the attic a good rummage but couldn't
         find his skis" [syn: {ransacking}, {rummage}]
    

Ransack \Ran"sack\ (r[a^]n"s[a^]k), v. t. [imp. & p. p.
   {Ransacked} (-s[a^]kt); p. pr. & vb. n. {Ransacking}.] [OE.
   ransaken, Icel. rannsaka to explore, examine; rann a house
   (akin to Goth. razn house, AS. r[ae]sn plank, beam) + the
   root of s[ae]kja to seek, akin to E. seek. See {Seek}, and
   cf. {Rest} repose.]
   1. To search thoroughly; to search every place or part of;
      as, to ransack a house.
      [1913 Webster]

            To ransack every corner of their . . . hearts.
                                                  --South.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. To plunder; to pillage completely.
      [1913 Webster]

            Their vow is made
            To ransack Troy.                      --Shak.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. To violate; to ravish; to defiour. [Obs.]
      [1913 Webster]

            Rich spoil of ransacked chastity.     --Spenser.
      [1913 Webster]