Robber: meaning, definitions and examples
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robber
[ˈrɒbər ]
Definitions
criminal activity
A robber is a person who steals from people or places by using force or the threat of force. Robbers typically target banks, convenience stores, or individuals on the street.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| robber |
A robber uses force or the threat of force to steal from a person or place, typically in public settings like banks or streets.
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| thief |
A thief steals items, typically without force or direct confrontation, often in a sneaky or covert manner.
|
| burglar |
A burglar breaks into buildings, usually homes, to steal things, often without confronting the owners directly.
|
| criminal |
A criminal is a more general term that refers to anyone who commits any kind of crime, not necessarily theft. This can include a wide range of illegal activities.
|
Examples of usage
- The robber entered the bank with a gun and demanded money from the teller.
- The police caught the robber as he was fleeing the scene of the crime.
children's play
In children's games, a robber is often portrayed as a character who sneaks around and tries to steal imaginary treasures or goods from other players.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| robber |
Used to describe someone who steals from people or places, often using threats or force. Usually implies a more direct confrontation.
|
| thief |
Describes someone who steals, particularly without the use of force or violence. Often implies stealth or secretive actions.
|
| bandit |
Often describes someone who is part of a group of criminals operating in remote areas or along roads, usually targeting travelers.
|
| criminal |
A general term for someone who breaks the law. This word can apply to a wide range of illegal activities.
|
Examples of usage
- The children pretended to be robbers and detectives in their game of cops and robbers.
- The robber in the game wore a black mask and carried a sack for the stolen loot.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'robber' comes from the Old French word 'rober', which meant to seize or take by force.
- Robbery has been a crime throughout history, with processes and punishments developing from ancient Roman times to the modern era.
- In medieval England, robbers were often executed or banished as it was considered a serious threat to community safety.
Legal Perspectives
- Robbery is generally classified as a violent crime, and in many jurisdictions, it can result in severe penalties, including prison time.
- There are different types of robbery, such as armed robbery, which involves a weapon, and strong-arm robbery, which occurs through intimidation.
- Many regions have laws that distinguish between theft and robbery, with robbery being defined as taking property from a person or immediate presence.
Pop Culture
- Robbers are often featured in movies and TV shows as villains, such as in heist films like 'Ocean's Eleven'.
- Famous fictional robbers, like Robin Hood, are portrayed as anti-heroes who steal from the rich to give to the poor.
- Many songs and books depict robbery as a thrilling escape, often romanticizing the danger involved.
Psychological Aspects
- Research suggests that robberies are often impulsive acts driven by immediate needs, such as financial desperation.
- Some criminals may develop a psychological thrill from the act of robbing, equating it with power or excitement.
- Understanding the motivations behind robbery can help in creating effective prevention strategies in communities.
Literature
- Throughout literature, robbers have been used as symbols of resistance against authority, as seen in works like 'Les Misérables'.
- The themes around robbers highlight moral dilemmas, such as questioning the need for survival versus the ethics of stealing.
- Many children’s stories feature robbers as antagonists, teaching lessons about right and wrong in a fun way.
Translations
Translations of the word "robber" in other languages:
🇵🇹 ladrão
🇮🇳 चोर
🇩🇪 Räuber
🇮🇩 perampok
🇺🇦 грабіжник
🇵🇱 rabuś
🇯🇵 強盗 (ごうとう)
🇫🇷 voleur
🇪🇸 ladrón
🇹🇷 hırsız
🇰🇷 강도 (gangdo)
🇸🇦 لص (liss)
🇨🇿 lupič
🇸🇰 lupič
🇨🇳 强盗 (qiángdào)
🇸🇮 tat
🇮🇸 ræningi
🇰🇿 қарақшы
🇬🇪 ყაჩაღი (qach'agi)
🇦🇿 quldur
🇲🇽 ladrón