WordWeb Online

1. A thorough search for something (often causing disorder or confusion)
   "he gave the attic a good ransacking but couldn't find his skis";
   - rummage

1. Steal goods; take as spoils
   "During the earthquake people ransacked the stores that were deserted by their owners";
   - plunder, despoil, loot, reave [archaic], strip, rifle, pillage, foray
    
2. Search thoroughly
   "They ransacked the area for the missing child";
   - comb

Derived forms: ransackings

Type of: hunt, hunting, search, take

Encyclopedia: Ransacking