Stealer Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stealer

[หˆstiห.lษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

A person who steals something, often illegally and without permission.

Synonyms

burglar, robber, thief.

Examples of usage

  • The shoplifter was caught stealing from the store.
  • The police are searching for the car thief.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A player who frequently steals the ball from opponents in sports such as basketball or soccer.

Synonyms

interceptor, pilferer, thief.

Examples of usage

  • He is known as a great stealer on the basketball court.
  • The team's defense is strong thanks to their skilled stealers.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A person who takes or copies someone else's ideas, work, or content without permission.

Synonyms

copycat, imitator, plagiarist.

Examples of usage

  • He is often accused of being a song stealer.
  • The artist filed a lawsuit against the design stealer.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Perspectives

  • In many cultures, stealing is portrayed negatively, often resulting in moral lessons in folktales and stories.
  • Contemporary media frequently explores the psychology behind theft, depicting it as a character flaw or a necessity driven by circumstances.

Legal Context

  • The definition of theft varies by jurisdiction, but it generally includes the act of taking someone's property with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.
  • In law, 'larceny' is a specific form of theft and typically involves personal property.

Psychology

  • Studies show that some individuals may steal not out of need, but due to thrill-seeking behavior or as a form of impulse control issue.
  • The act of stealing can also be connected to deeper emotional or psychological needs, such as feelings of power or validation.

Literature and Film

  • Many classic novels, such as 'Oliver Twist,' address themes of stealing, focusing on the circumstances and hardships that lead individuals to such actions.
  • Films often glamorize or vilify thieves, creating complex characters that challenge viewers' perspectives on morality and legality.

Origin of 'stealer'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'stelan,' which means to take or to carry away.
  • Related words in other languages, like the German 'stehlen,' share similar roots, reflecting a common understanding of theft across cultures.

The word 'stealer' originated from the Middle English word 'stelen', which means 'to steal'. It has been used in the English language for centuries to describe someone who takes something without permission. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various contexts, including criminal activities, sports, and intellectual property theft.


See also: steal, stealing, stealth, stole.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #35,408, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.