Theft Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ต๏ธโโ๏ธ
theft
[ฮธษft ]
Definitions
criminal act
The action or crime of stealing.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| theft |
A broad term used for the act of taking someone's property without permission. It is often used in both legal and everyday contexts.
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| stealing |
An informal term commonly used in everyday language to describe the act of taking something that doesn't belong to you. It can be used in less severe contexts.
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| robbery |
Involves taking property from a person by force, intimidation, or threat. It is often used in a more serious context as it involves direct confrontation.
|
| larceny |
A legal term specifically related to the unlawful taking of personal property with the intent to deprive the rightful owner of it permanently. It is often used in legal discussions and documentation.
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Examples of usage
- He was arrested for theft.
- The theft of the artwork was reported to the police.
legal term
The unauthorized taking of another person's property.
Synonyms
appropriation, embezzlement, misappropriation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| theft |
The general act of stealing, applicable in various situations where someone takes something that doesn't belong to them without permission.
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| appropriation |
Used in contexts involving the use of something for one's own purposes, often without permission or in an unauthorized manner, and can be neutral or negative depending on context.
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| embezzlement |
Refers specifically to the theft or misappropriation of funds placed in one's trust or belonging to one's employer, often in a financial or business context.
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| misappropriation |
Similar to embezzlement, it involves using or taking something dishonestly for one's own use, especially funds or resources, often in a legal or formal context.
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Examples of usage
- He was charged with theft of intellectual property.
- Theft is a punishable offense under the law.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The word comes from the Old English 'รพeof', which means a โthiefโ or โrobberโ.
- In ancient Greece, theft was considered a serious crime, punishable by fines or even death in some cases.
- In many cultures, the penalties for theft have evolved from severe physical punishments to more rehabilitative approaches.
Law and Justice
- Theft can range from petty larceny, involving small amounts, to grand theft, which deals with high-value items.
- In modern legal systems, the classification of theft often includes variations such as burglary, shoplifting, and auto theft.
- Restitution, where the thief must repay the stolen value to the victim, is increasingly common in legal resolutions.
Psychology
- Psychological studies suggest that motivations for theft can include economic necessity, peer pressure, or thrill-seeking.
- Some individuals who engage in theft show signs of compulsive behavior, which can be tied to deeper psychological issues.
- The social stigma of being labeled a thief can have long-lasting effects on an individual's reputation and mental health.
Pop Culture
- Numerous films and shows, such as 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'The Italian Job', glamorize heists and theft, portraying thieves as charismatic anti-heroes.
- Literature often explores themes of theft, such as in the classic 'Oliver Twist', where characters steal out of necessity or desperation.
- In video games like 'Grand Theft Auto', players often engage in theft as part of the gameplay, sometimes blurring moral lines.
Economics
- Theft has significant economic impacts; businesses often face losses that translate to higher prices for consumers.
- Insurance companies play a major role in mitigating theft through policies that can ease the financial burden on victims.
- The scale of theft in a community can affect its overall economic health and growth potential.
Origin of 'theft'
The word 'theft' originated from Old English 'theofth', which was derived from the Germanic base of 'theft-', meaning 'stealing'. The concept of theft has been present in human societies since ancient times, with laws and punishments evolving to address this crime.
Word Frequency Rank
At #6,747 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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