Stealing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🕵️‍♂️

Add to dictionary

stealing

[ˈstiːlɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

crime

The action of taking something from someone without permission or legal right, especially dishonestly.

Synonyms

larceny, robbery, theft.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stealing	General term for taking something that doesn't belong to you, often without the use of violence or force. She was caught stealing candy from the store. He regrets stealing money from his mother's purse.
theft	General term similar to 'stealing', used in both legal and everyday situations. Can involve taking something without the owner's knowledge. Identity theft has become a major concern in the digital age. The police are investigating the theft of the valuable painting.
robbery	Involves taking something from a person by using force or threat of force. Often includes violence or intimidation. The bank robbery was reported on the evening news. She was the victim of a robbery at gunpoint.
larceny	A legal term used to describe the unlawful taking of someone's personal property, usually in a formal or legal context. Doesn't typically involve force. He was charged with larceny after taking the neighbor's bike. The larceny conviction led to a year in jail.

Examples of usage

He was arrested for stealing from the store.
Stealing is a criminal offense.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

general

Take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it.

Synonyms

pilfer, purloin, thieve.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stealing	This is the most general term for taking something that does not belong to you. It can be used in any situation where someone takes something without permission. He was caught stealing a candy bar from the store. Stealing is against the law.
thieve	Commonly used as a verb describing the action of a thief. It carries a slightly negative and colloquial tone and is often used to describe habitual behavior. They thieve from tourists every summer. He was known to thieve from his friends.
purloin	A slightly old-fashioned and formal term, it is often used in literary contexts or formal reports. It usually implies a level of cunning or deceit. The spy managed to purloin the classified documents. He purloined a painting from the gallery under the cover of night.
pilfer	This word is often used when referring to taking small items or amounts, typically from a place where the person has some level of access, like a workplace. She would pilfer office supplies when no one was looking. The janitor was caught pilfering snacks from the break room.

Examples of usage

She was caught stealing money from her coworker.
He admitted to stealing the necklace.

Translations

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

Origin of 'stealing'

The word 'stealing' originated from the Old English word 'stelan' which meant 'to commit theft'. The act of stealing has been condemned in various cultures throughout history as a violation of property rights and social norms. Laws against stealing have existed for centuries to deter individuals from taking what does not belong to them.

See also: steal, stealer, stealth, stole.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,530 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.

...
8527 reconcile
8528 tolerate
8529 cab
8530 stealing
8531 chimney
8532 captive
8533 substitutes
...