raider

Plural: raiders

Noun

• A person or group that makes a sudden attack.
• someone who takes spoils or plunder (as in war)
• a corporate investor who intends to take over a company by buying a controlling interest in its stock and installing new management
• One who engages in a raid; a plunderer.
• A person who takes or attempts to take control of a firm against the will of current management by purchasing a controlling interest of stock and acquiring proxies.
• A special forces operative; a commando.
• A warship which is light, maneuverable, and fast-moving.
• A warplane on an air raid.
• A law enforcement official who conducts a raid on a building in search for illicit goods.
• A person who uncovers evidence of improper behavior within governmental or private organizations.

Examples

• The seasoned Scrabble player was a true raider of bonus squares.

Synonyms

despoiler, freebooter, looter, pillager, plunderer, spoiler, activist, buccaneer, corsair, muckraker, pirate