Stolen Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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stolen

[หˆstoสŠlษ™n ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a crime

The word 'stolen' refers to something that has been taken unlawfully or without the owner's consent. It is often used to describe items or property that have been taken during a theft. The implication of the term is that the object in question is now in the possession of someone who does not have the right to it. The nature of stolen items can vary widely, from personal belongings to larger assets like vehicles or art. Stolen goods are often sought after by law enforcement in an effort to return them to their rightful owners.

Synonyms

filched, purloined, robbed, taken.

Examples of usage

  • The stolen car was recovered by the police.
  • She reported her stolen wallet to the authorities.
  • They found a stash of stolen jewelry.
  • The film revolves around a stolen artifact.

Translations

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Origin of 'stolen'

The word 'stolen' is the past participle of the verb 'steal', which originates from Old English 'stelan', meaning 'to steal or take'. This term is linked to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as the Old High German 'stihlen' and Old Norse 'stela', which also mean 'to steal'. The concept of theft has been part of human society for centuries, with legal systems developing rules around property and ownership. Over time, the verb 'steal' evolved into different forms, giving rise to 'stole' (the simple past) and 'stolen' (the past participle), reflecting the ongoing nature of theft as a criminal act. The term is commonly used in both legal contexts and everyday language to discuss the act of taking something unlawfully.


Word Frequency Rank

At #5,654 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.