Thieve Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thieve

[θiːv ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

steal

To take (something) from someone unlawfully; steal.

Synonyms

plunder, rob, steal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thieve	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	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	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	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.

Examples of usage

He had been thieving from his employer for years before he was caught.
The gang of teenagers thieved candy from the store.
She thieved money from her roommate's wallet.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

criminal

A person who steals another person's property, especially by stealth and without using force.

Synonyms

burglar, robber, thief.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thieve	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.
thief	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.
burglar	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.
robber	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.

Examples of usage

The thieve was caught red-handed by the police.
The neighborhood was plagued by a group of thieves.
He was known in the community as a notorious thieve.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Aspects

The act of thieving is classified as theft, which is a crime across all legal systems.
Penalties for this crime can range from fines to imprisonment depending on the item's value and circumstances.
Many cultures have established laws to deter thieving, reflecting societal values on property and ownership.

Cultural Perspectives

In literature and film, thieving is often portrayed as an act of desperation or cunning, complicating moral interpretations.
Some folk tales feature clever thieves who end up being heroic characters, challenging the traditional notion of morality.
Different cultures have varying views on theft, with some seeing it as a survival tactic under certain socioeconomic conditions.

Psychology

Research suggests that motivations for thieving can range from financial need to psychological compulsion.
Studies show that some individuals may recognize moral wrongness yet still engage in thieving due to impulse control issues.
The act can release dopamine, which reinforces the behavior in a cycle of addiction for certain individuals.

Famous Thieves in History

Robbing Hood, a legendary character, stole from the rich to give to the poor, symbolizing social justice throughout history.
D.B. Cooper, an infamous figure, hijacked a plane in 1971 and disappeared after parachuting out with stolen money, becoming a modern folk hero.
The Great Train Robbery in 1963 in the UK involved a meticulously planned theft of £2.6 million, captivating public imagination.

Origin of 'thieve'

Main points about word origin

Originates from the Old English word 'þyfan,' which meant 'to steal.'
The word has roots in Germanic languages, with connections to terms like 'steal' in both Dutch and German.
The transition from 'þyfan' to its modern form reflects shifts in pronunciation and spelling over centuries.

The word 'thieve' originated from the Middle English word 'thieven', which itself came from the Old English 'thēofian', meaning 'to steal'. The concept of thieving has been present throughout human history, with laws and punishments evolving to deter and punish those who engage in such activities.