Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Ransack \Ran"sack\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Ransacked}; p. pr. &
   vb. n. {Ransacking}.] [OE. ransaken, Icel, rannsaka to
   explore, examine; rann a house (akin to Goth. razn house, AS.
   r[ae]sn plank, beam) + the root of s[ae]kja to seek, akin to
   E. seek. See {Seek}, and cf. {Rest} repose.]
   1. To search thoroughly; to search every place or part of;
      as, to ransack a house.

            To ransack every corner of their . . . hearts.
                                                  --South.

   2. To plunder; to pillage completely.

            Their vow is made To ransack Troy.    --Shak.

   3. To violate; to ravish; to defiour. [Obs.]

            Rich spoil of ransacked chastity.     --Spenser.

Source : WordNet®

ransacking
     n : a thorough search for something (often causing disorder or
         confusion); "he gave the attic a good rummage but
         couldn't find his skis" [syn: {rummage}]