Privateer is a noun referring to a person or ship that is authorized by a government to attack and capture enemy vessels during wartime. Unlike pirates, privateers operate under a legal framework, as they have received a “letter of marque” granting them permission to engage in acts of piracy against enemy nations. While privateers often sailed the seas in pursuit of wealth, they were considered legitimate combatants in naval warfare, albeit operating outside the direct control of official naval forces.
Here are 10 sentences using “privateer” to clarify its meaning:
- The privateer received a letter of marque, allowing him to seize enemy merchant ships during the war.
- Many privateers in the 18th century were key to the naval campaigns, disrupting enemy trade routes.
- The privateer sailed under the flag of the British crown, raiding French vessels for valuable cargo.
- Some privateers became wealthy after successful raids, acquiring treasure from enemy ships.
- The captain of the privateer was hailed as a hero in his home port for his successful campaigns.
- Though often seen as pirates, privateers were legally sanctioned by their government to attack enemy ships.
- The privateer’s ship was heavily armed, making it a formidable force against the enemy’s merchant fleet.
- After the war ended, many former privateers turned to piracy when they were no longer given letters of marque.
- The privateer’s raids were instrumental in disrupting the enemy’s supply lines during the conflict.
- The privateer and his crew were well-known for their audacity, capturing ships far from home shores.
Synonyms for “privateer”:
- Buccaneer (in specific contexts)
- Pirate (in certain historical contexts)
- Freebooter
- Sea raider
- Naval contractor
- Warship
- Corsair (in specific historical contexts)
- Marauder
- Seafarer
- Mercenary sailor
Antonyms for “privateer”:
- Merchant
- Naval officer
- Sailor
- Fisherman
- Coast guard
- Civilian sailor
- Defender
- Lawful naval captain
- Seafaring trader
- Peaceful sailor
Related Words:
- Letter of marque
- Piracy
- Naval warfare
- Raiding
- Looting
- Plunder
- Maritime warfare
- Combatant
- Ship of war
- Seafaring
Idiomatic Expressions:
- “Letter of marque” – The official authorization for privateers to act, e.g., “He sailed the seas under his letter of marque, legally authorized to plunder enemy ships.”
- “On the high seas” – Refers to the open ocean, where privateers often operated, e.g., “The privateer sailed freely on the high seas, seeking out French merchant ships.”
- “Raid the coast” – To attack coastal settlements, e.g., “The privateer’s crew raided the coast, bringing back rich prizes.”
- “Plunder the waves” – Refers to the act of attacking and looting ships at sea, e.g., “With the letter of marque in hand, they were free to plunder the waves.”
- “A ship of war” – A vessel used for military purposes, often by privateers, e.g., “The privateer’s ship of war was built for speed and battle.”
