Thief: meaning, definitions and examples

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

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

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

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

General term for someone who steals something.

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

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

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

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