Pilferage - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

theft act

Pilferage refers to the act of stealing minor items, particularly in small quantities. This term is often associated with theft in places like retail stores or workplaces. While it may seem insignificant compared to grand theft, pilferage can add up to substantial losses for businesses. Individuals who engage in pilferage are sometimes referred to as 'pilferers' and can face legal consequences if caught. Companies often implement measures to prevent pilferage to protect their assets.

Synonyms

larceny, robbery, stealing, theft.

Examples of usage

The store suffered heavy pilferage last year.
Pilferage by employees can hurt company profits.
They installed cameras to deter pilferage.
The manager warned about the consequences of pilferage.

Interesting Facts

Legal Context

In the legal system, 'pilferage' often refers to theft that sums to low value, making it a form of petty theft.
It's commonly associated with retail environments, where employees might pilfer small items to avoid serious criminal charges.

Psychology

Studies show that people might justify pilferage by deeming small thefts harmless, especially if they feel disadvantaged.
Emotional factors like stress or feeling undervalued at work can lead individuals to pilfer items as a misguided coping mechanism.

Pop Culture

Movies often depict characters engaged in pilferage, framing it as a humorous or clever act without serious consequences.
Books and stories about thieves sometimes highlight pilferage as a key trait, portraying characters as sly but endearing.

Historical Instances

Throughout history, small-scale thefts have been prevalent in various societies, often reflecting economic disparities.
In times of war, pilferage increased as soldiers looted supplies from both enemies and their own.

Origin of 'pilferage'

Main points about word origin

The term 'pilferage' comes from the Middle English word 'pilferen,' which means to steal.
The root 'pilfer' has French origins, linked to the word 'pillefer,' further tracing back to the Latin 'pīllāre,' meaning to strip of goods.

The word 'pilferage' originates from the verb 'pilfer,' which dates back to the early 17th century. 'Pilfer' is derived from the Middle English 'pilferen,' which in turn comes from the 'pilfer,' a diminutive form of the Old French word 'pilofer.' The Old French word translates to 'to steal little by little.' The concept of pilfering reflects a specific type of theft, one that typically involves small, often insignificant items. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass not just the act of pilfering itself, but also the broader consequences and contexts in which this type of theft occurs, such as retail environments and corporate settings. Pilferage has become a significant concern for businesses as it can lead to financial losses and affect overall profitability.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,954 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.

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31951 mangy
31952 scarification
31953 bleeder
31954 pilferage
31955 travelogue
31956 hep
31957 mogul
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Pilferage Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations