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Thief Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ•ต๏ธ
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thief

[ฮธiหf ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime

A person who steals another person's property, especially by stealth and without using force. Thieves often target valuable items such as money, jewelry, and electronics.

Synonyms

burglar, criminal, robber.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thief

A person who steals generally, without specifying how they do it.

  • The thief stole her wallet in the crowded market
  • He is known as a notorious thief in the neighborhood
burglar

Someone who breaks into a building, especially at night, to steal things.

  • The burglar entered the house through the kitchen window
  • She installed a security system to prevent burglars
robber

A person who steals, often using threats or violence, typically from a person or placed location.

  • The bank was held up by a masked robber
  • The store clerk handed over the money to the robber
criminal

A general term for someone who has committed a crime, not necessarily theft.

  • He was arrested and convicted as a criminal
  • The criminal was sentenced to ten years in prison

Examples of usage

  • The thief broke into the house and stole all the jewelry.
  • The police caught the thief red-handed trying to steal a car.
  • She realized her wallet was missing and suspected a pickpocket thief.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A person who takes something without permission or without the right to do so. This can refer to both physical objects and abstract concepts.

Synonyms

stealer, thief of joy, thief of time.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
thief

General term for someone who steals something.

  • The thief was caught by the police
  • She realized her wallet had been taken by a thief
stealer

Less common term for someone who steals, often used informally or creatively.

  • That stealer took my lunch from the fridge
  • The neighborhood had a few stealers recently
thief of time

A metaphorical phrase for something that wastes time or distracts from productive activities.

  • Procrastination is the thief of time
  • Social media can be a thief of time if not used carefully
thief of joy

A metaphorical phrase used to describe something or someone that ruins or takes away happiness.

  • Comparison is the thief of joy
  • Worry can be a real thief of joy

Examples of usage

  • He was accused of being a thief of ideas, as he plagiarized most of his work.
  • She is a time thief, always wasting company hours on personal calls.
  • Don't be a thief of joy by spreading negativity everywhere.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In medieval England, thieves were often punished severely, sometimes with public execution, reflecting society's disdain for stealing.
  • The infamous Thief Takers in 18th-century London were individuals who captured thieves, often for a fee, contributing to the development of modern policing.
  • During the Great Depression in the 1930s, petty theft increased due to widespread poverty, showcasing the influence of economic conditions on crime.

Pop Culture

  • Thieves are common characters in books and movies, often portrayed as clever loners or likable rogues, like Robin Hood.
  • In video games, characters like 'Lara Croft' and 'Treasure Hunters' often embody traits of thieves, making the concept thrilling and adventurous.
  • Films such as 'Ocean's Eleven' feature elaborate heists, glamorizing the lives of thieves and creating a fascination with their cunning.

Psychology

  • Studies suggest that some individuals become thieves due to socio-economic factors rather than inherent moral failings.
  • The psychological concept of 'deviance' often examines behaviors like theft, linking them to a breakdown in social norms and values.
  • Criminal behavior can sometimes be associated with impulsivity, where the thrill of stealing becomes a rush for the individual.

Literature

  • Classic works, such as Shakespeare's 'The Merchant of Venice', explore themes of thievery and moral ambiguity.
  • Contemporary literature often portrays thieves in a sympathetic light, examining their motivations and the societal contexts that lead to theft.
  • Genres such as detective fiction frequently center around thieves, creating tension as protagonists seek to uncover and stop criminal activity.

Origin of 'thief'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'thief' comes from Old English 'รพyfi,' which has roots in the Proto-Germanic word 'รพiufaz', meaning 'to steal'.
  • Related words in German and Dutch also refer to stealing, showing a common heritage in language.
  • Over centuries, the meaning has remained relatively stable, focusing on the act of stealing.

The word 'thief' has Old English origins, derived from the word 'รพeof'. It has been used in various forms in different languages throughout history to describe someone who steals. Theft has been a punishable crime in most societies since ancient times, as it violates the property rights of individuals. The concept of thievery has been portrayed in literature, folklore, and media as a common antagonist character, highlighting the moral implications of stealing.

See also: thieve.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,284 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.