Pilfered: meaning, definitions and examples

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pilfered

 

[ ˈpɪlfərd ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

theft action

Pilfered refers to the act of stealing or taking something in small quantities, often secretly. It implies a sense of minor theft, usually of items that are not highly valuable. The term is often associated with stealing from a larger whole or taking advantage of a situation where items are left unattended. This word is commonly used to describe petty theft or stealing by individuals who may be in a desperate situation.

Synonyms

lift, rob, snatch, steal, take

Examples of usage

  • He pilfered small items from the store.
  • She was caught pilfering snacks from the pantry.
  • They pilfered office supplies for their personal use.

Etymology

The word 'pilfer' originated in the early 16th century, believed to be derived from the Middle French term 'pelfrer', meaning to plunder or pilfer, which in turn comes from 'pelf', a term denoting money or goods obtained by dubious means. Its roots can be traced back further to Old French, where 'pelfe' referred to spoils or goods. The evolution of 'pilfer' indicates a shift towards minor theft as opposed to grand larceny, reflecting a narrower focus on smaller, often unnoticeable acts of theft in everyday life. As societies developed, the word was increasingly used to describe the actions of individuals who take items without authorization, particularly in lower-stakes scenarios compared to major theft or robbery.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,467 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.