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Rob Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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rob

[rษ’b ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

A person who commits theft or robbery, especially as a member of a gang or organized crime syndicate. Robbers typically use force or threat of force to steal property from individuals or establishments.

Synonyms

bandit, burglar, thief.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rob

Use when someone takes money or property illegally from a person or place, often with the use of violence or threat.

  • They decided to rob the bank in broad daylight.
  • She was robbed while walking home last night.
thief

General term for someone who steals, without specifying how they do it or from where. It can apply to any instance of theft.

  • The thief stole her wallet from her bag.
  • He was known as a notorious art thief.
burglar

Used when referring to someone who illegally enters buildings, usually at night, to steal things without confronting anyone.

  • The burglar broke a window to enter the house.
  • Police caught a burglar red-handed in the act.
bandit

Typically used to describe a member of an outlaw gang who ambushes and robs people in isolated areas. This term often has a historical or dramatic connotation.

  • The travelers were warned about bandits on the road.
  • The old western movie featured a gang of ruthless bandits.

Examples of usage

  • The robbers entered the bank with guns and demanded money from the tellers.
  • The police are searching for the robbers who broke into the jewelry store last night.
Context #2 | Verb

action

To take property unlawfully from a person or place by force or threat of force.

Synonyms

loot, plunder, steal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
rob

Duplicate entry; see previous.

  • Duplicate entry; see previous.
steal

To take something that does not belong to you without permission. Does not necessarily involve violence or direct confrontation.

  • He was caught trying to steal a car.
  • Someone stole my phone from my bag.
plunder

To steal goods, usually in a violent and forceful manner, often used in the context of war or invasion.

  • The invaders plundered the village, leaving nothing behind.
  • Pirates plundered the coastal towns.
loot

To steal goods, typically during a war or riot. Often involves taking advantage of chaotic situations.

  • The rioters looted several stores during the blackout.
  • Historical artifacts were looted during the war.

Examples of usage

  • The masked man tried to rob the old lady of her purse.
  • The store was robbed at gunpoint last night.

Translations

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

Origin of 'rob'

The word 'rob' originated from Middle English 'robben' which came from Old French 'rober' meaning 'to steal'. The sense of 'rob' as taking property by force is dated back to the early 13th century. It has been used in various forms across different languages and cultures to describe the act of unlawfully taking something from another person or place.

See also: robber, robbery, robust.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,800, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.