Thieve: meaning, definitions and examples

Thieve is often used to describe secretive and repeated acts of stealing, usually on a small scale. It conveys a sense of sneakiness and dishonesty.

• He would often thieve candies from the store when no one was looking.
• She caught him trying to thieve her wallet.

Steal is a general term for taking something without permission, covering a wide range of thefts, from minor to major. It does not specify the method or scale of the act.

• She was caught stealing a pair of shoes from the store.
• He managed to steal confidential documents from the office.

Rob is used to describe taking something valuable by using force or threat, typically directly from a person or place. It usually suggests a serious and often violent act.

• He was robbed at gunpoint while walking home.
• The bank was robbed by a masked group last night.

Plunder refers to stealing goods, typically using force and often in a context of war or chaos. It implies large-scale theft with violence or destruction.

• The invaders plundered the village, taking everything of value.
• In ancient times, it was common for armies to plunder the lands they conquered.

Typically describes the action of stealing something. It's more formal and often used in legal or literary contexts.

• He was caught trying to thieve an expensive watch.
• People who thieve often face severe penalties.

A general term for anyone who steals something, regardless of the method or location. It's the most commonly used word in everyday language.

• The thief stole her purse while she was walking.
• They caught the car thief after a long chase.

Refers to a person who breaks into a building, usually at night, to steal things. Commonly used in everyday conversation and crime reports.

• The burglar broke into the house through the window.
• She installed an alarm system to deter burglars.

Describes someone who steals from a person or a place, often using force or threat. It is associated with more aggressive actions.

• The bank robber was caught on camera.
• The robber demanded all the money in the cash register.