B2nounlawcrime
US/ˈpaɪ.rə.si/
UK/ˈpaɪ.rə.si/
the crime of attacking ships at sea to rob them, or of copying and selling work illegally
In context
Piracy off the coast of Somalia threatened international shipping for years.
Software piracy costs the industry billions of dollars every year.
The new law aims to fight online piracy of movies and music.
Words that go with piracy
noun + noun
- software piracySoftware piracy is common in some markets.
adjective + noun
- online piracyOnline piracy has hurt many artists.
- maritime piracyMaritime piracy increased along that route.
verb + noun
- combat piracyGovernments joined forces to combat piracy.
- fight piracyStudios want to fight piracy with lower prices.
noun + preposition
- act of piracySeizing the ship was an act of piracy.
verb + preposition
- crack down on piracyPolice promised to crack down on piracy.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
The film piracy is illegal.Correct: Film piracy is illegal.