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Heist Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘ฎโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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heist

[haษชst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal activity

A heist is a robbery or theft, especially one involving a large amount of money or valuable items. It is often carefully planned and executed by a group of criminals.

Synonyms

burglary, robbery, theft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heist

Used when referring to a major, often meticulously planned, theft usually involving valuables like money or jewels. Often tied to a gang or group of criminals.

  • The gang planned a heist to steal the diamonds from the high-security vault
  • That movie about the bank heist was thrilling
robbery

Indicates taking something of value directly from a person or place using force or threat. Involves immediate physical presence and intimidation.

  • The convenience store was a target of a robbery last night
  • He was arrested for the armed robbery of a bank
theft

A general term for the act of stealing, without specifying how the act was carried out. Does not necessarily involve breaking and entering or using force.

  • He was caught for the theft of a bicycle from the park
  • Petty theft has become a common problem in the area
burglary

Describes breaking into a building, usually a home or a business, with the intent to steal or commit another crime. Often occurs when the place is unoccupied.

  • They returned from vacation to find their home had been the target of a burglary
  • The security system was installed to prevent burglaries

Examples of usage

  • The gang planned a heist on the bank to steal the valuable jewels.
  • During the heist, they managed to evade the security guards and escape with the cash.
  • The heist was so well-coordinated that the police had difficulty tracking down the culprits.
Context #2 | Verb

criminal activity

To heist means to steal or rob, especially in a planned and organized manner. It is often used in the context of a group of criminals carrying out a theft.

Synonyms

loot, rob, steal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
heist

Used to describe a major theft, usually involving a well-planned operation targeting a valuable item or large sum of money. It is often associated with criminal activity and can include negative connotations.

  • They planned the bank heist for months
  • The diamond heist made headlines around the world
steal

A general term for taking something that doesn't belong to you, without specifying the method or scale. It can vary from minor offenses to serious crimes and often has a negative connotation.

  • He was caught trying to steal a bicycle
  • She always felt guilty about stealing money from her parents
rob

Focuses on taking property or money from a person or place by force or threat. It is often used when talking about theft involving personal confrontation or the breaking into buildings. It has a negative connotation.

  • The store was robbed by three men with guns
  • She was robbed at knifepoint on her way home
loot

Refers to stealing goods, often during chaotic situations like riots, wars, or natural disasters. It generally implies taking advantage of disorder and has a negative connotation.

  • After the hurricane, some people began to loot the abandoned stores
  • The invaders looted the town and took everything valuable

Examples of usage

  • The thieves heisted a priceless painting from the museum.
  • They heisted the jewelry store in broad daylight.
  • The criminals heisted the bank vault and made off with millions.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term frequently appears in films and television shows, like 'Ocean's Eleven', which focuses on a clever heist.
  • Heist films often emphasize teamwork and elaborate planning, creating suspenseful and engaging stories.
  • Video games like 'Payday' and 'Grand Theft Auto' have missions centered around executing heists.

Psychology

  • Planning a heist requires high levels of attention to detail and risk management, showcasing the psychology of risk-taking.
  • Many individuals involved in heists often exhibit traits linked to thrill-seeking and impulsivity.
  • Group dynamics play a significant role, as trust and loyalty among team members can greatly impact the success of a heist.

Legal Studies

  • Heists are categorized as serious crimes and can result in severe legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences.
  • The legal definition can vary by jurisdiction, with some areas distinguishing between burglary and robbery.
  • Famous heists, like the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum theft, remain unsolved and draw significant legal attention even decades later.

History

  • One of the largest heists in history was the Great Train Robbery in 1963 in the UK, where robbers made off with ยฃ2.6 million.
  • The Brinks Job in 1978 involved stealing millions from a security company in Boston, becoming iconic in crime history.
  • Historical heists often influenced law enforcement tactics, leading to improved security measures in banks and museums.

Origin of 'heist'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'heist' comes from the Yiddish term 'heyst' or 'haysht', meaning 'to seize' or 'take away'.
  • It first appeared in American English around the early 20th century, commonly used to describe big thefts.
  • Before 'heist' became popular, 'robbery' was the main term used for thefts.

The word 'heist' originated in the United States in the early 20th century. It is believed to have come from the slang term 'hoist', which means to lift or raise. Over time, 'heist' evolved to refer specifically to a robbery or theft, especially one involving a significant amount of money or valuable items. The word has since become commonly used in the context of criminal activities and is often associated with elaborate and carefully planned thefts.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,445 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.