Heisted - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

illegal act

Heisted refers to the act of stealing, particularly on a large scale or from a location that is typically secure. The term is often used in the context of elaborate thefts, such as bank heists or art thefts.

Synonyms

loot, plundered, robbed, stole.

Examples of usage

The robbers heisted millions from the bank.
They heisted a priceless painting from the gallery.
The criminals were planning to heist the jewelry store.
After the heist, the police launched a massive manhunt.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Heist films like 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'The Italian Job' have popularized the term, showcasing elaborate thefts.
Video games, such as 'Payday 2', revolve around the concept of executing heists as a central theme.
Many songs in popular music reference heists as exciting tales of rebellion against authority.

Psychology

Planning a heist involves not just physical actions but also high levels of cognitive skills, including strategizing and problem-solving.
The thrill of planning and executing a heist can create intense adrenaline rushes, often compared to extreme sports.
Group dynamics play a crucial role in heists, where teamwork and trust can make or break the success of the operation.

Historical Incidents

The Great Train Robbery in 1963 saw a gang steal £2.6 million (equivalent to around £53 million today) from a Royal Mail train.
The Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum heist in 1990 remains one of the most notorious unsolved cases, with stolen artwork worth over $500 million.
In 1976, a group of criminals executed a famous heist known as the Lufthansa heist, stealing $5 million in cash and $875,000 in jewelry.

Legal Aspects

The legal consequences of committing a heist can include severe penalties like imprisonment and hefty fines.
In many jurisdictions, the term 'heist' may invoke more severe charges due to the violent implications or public threat associated with the crime.
Understanding the legal definition of theft helps in contextualizing what constitutes a heist as compared to petty theft.

Origin of 'heisted'

Main points about word origin

The word 'heist' comes from the slang term 'heisted', which originated in the US in the early 20th century.
It is believed to be a variation of the phrase 'to heist something', which means to steal or rob.
The concept of a heist has roots in older terms for burglary and theft.

The word 'heisted' is derived from the noun 'heist', which originated in American slang in the late 19th century. Its etymology can be traced back to the Yiddish word 'heist', meaning 'to lift' or 'to raise'. This term was originally used to describe the act of stealing, particularly in reference to large scale thefts such as bank robberies or art thefts. 'Heist' gained further popularity, especially in crime fiction and movies, where elaborate robbery plots became a common theme. The use of the word 'heisted' became more prevalent in the late 20th century, maintaining its association with organized crime and high-stakes thefts. Today, it is commonly used in both casual conversation and in media to describe thefts that are planned and executed with precision.

Heisted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations