piracy

Etymology

From Medieval Latin pīrātia, from Classical Latin pīrāta + ia, or Ancient Greek πειρατεία (peirateía).

noun

1. (nautical) Robbery at sea, a violation of international law; taking a ship away from the control of those who are legally entitled to it.
   How should the international community respond to Somali piracy?
2. A similar violation of international law, such as hijacking of an aircraft.
3. The unauthorized duplication of goods protected by intellectual property law.
   Some video game consoles use specially designed cartridges to make software piracy more difficult.
4. The operation of an unlicensed radio or television station.
5. (ornithology) Kleptoparasitism.