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Robbery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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robbery

[หˆrษ’bษ™ri ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

The act of stealing property from a person or place by using force or the threat of force.

Synonyms

burglary, looting, theft.

Examples of usage

  • The bank robbery was carefully planned and executed by a group of criminals.
  • Robbery is a serious offense that can result in a lengthy prison sentence.
  • The store owner was a victim of a violent robbery late at night.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

The action of stealing from someone or something in a brazen or audacious manner.

Synonyms

copying, plagiarism, theft of ideas.

Examples of usage

  • The robbery of ideas is a common occurrence in the creative industry.
  • He committed the ultimate robbery by taking credit for her hard work.
  • The movie was a robbery of the original story, lacking any originality.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In early societies, robbery was often linked to warfare, where combatants would take resources from defeated enemies.
  • Highway robbery, a common crime in the 17th and 18th centuries, involved robbers attacking travelers on roads, leading to laws that provided greater protection for travelers.

Legal Perspective

  • Robbery differs from theft because it involves the use or threat of violence, making it a more severe crime.
  • In many jurisdictions, robbery carries harsher penalties than theft due to the potential danger posed to victims.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Heat' and 'Inside Man' depict complex robbery heists, highlighting the strategic planning often involved.
  • The phrase 'getaway car' has become iconic in film, symbolizing the escape plan after a robbery.

Psychological Impact

  • Surviving a robbery can lead to long-term psychological effects including anxiety and PTSD due to the trauma of the incident.
  • Victims often experience a violation of trust and fear, impacting their sense of safety in their environment.

Origin of 'robbery'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'rober' meaning 'to rob' which traces back to the Germanic root 'raubลn'.
  • Robbery was originally associated with the act of pillaging or plundering, especially in a military context.

The word 'robbery' originated from the Old French word 'roberie', which in turn came from the Latin word 'robur' meaning 'strength' or 'oak'. The concept of robbery has been present throughout human history, with laws and punishments evolving to address this crime. Robbery is considered a serious offense in most legal systems, with penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment.

See also: rob, robber, robust.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,673 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.