Stickup Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
stickup
[หstษชkสp ]
Definition
criminal activity
A stickup is a type of robbery where an assailant threatens the victim with violence or uses a weapon to coerce them into handing over their possessions. This term is commonly associated with armed robberies taking place in public or commercial settings. Stickups can occur in various locations, including banks, stores, or on the street, and are often planned to maximize the element of surprise. The perpetrators may use disguises to hide their identities and create an atmosphere of fear.
Synonyms
heist, hold-up, robbery, theft.
Examples of usage
- The bank was targeted in a daring stickup last night.
- After the stickup, the police increased patrols in the area.
- Surveillance footage captured the stickup in real-time.
- Witnesses described the stickup as chaotic and frightening.
Translations
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Origin of 'stickup'
The term 'stickup' originated in American English in the early 20th century, likely deriving from the phrase 'stick up,' which means to raise a weapon or hand in a threatening manner. The phrase is believed to have evolved from the colloquial use of 'stick' as a verb meaning to thrust or hold something in a pointed manner. The association with robbery is thought to have arisen from the act of holding someone at gunpoint, thus creating the slang term. Its usage increased significantly during the 1920s, a era marked by organized crime and notorious heists. Over the decades, 'stickup' has maintained its place in popular culture, often referenced in movies, television shows, and news reports about crime.