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Thievery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿฆนโ€โ™‚๏ธ
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thievery

[หˆฮธiหvษ™ri ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

criminal activity

Thievery refers to the act of stealing or taking someone else's property without permission. It is commonly associated with unlawful activities and can involve a variety of contexts, from petty theft to grand larceny. Thievery is considered a crime in most jurisdictions and can lead to legal consequences.

Synonyms

larceny, pilfering, robbery, theft.

Examples of usage

  • The rise in thievery has led to increased security measures in stores.
  • He was arrested for thievery after attempting to steal a car.
  • Thievery is a serious offense that can result in jail time.
  • The novel portrays the life of a thief immersed in a world of thievery.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In ancient societies, thievery was often punished by harsh penalties, including death.
  • The Code of Hammurabi, one of the oldest written laws, had specific regulations against theft.
  • Historically, petty theft was more common in urban areas, often leading to community watch systems.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'Ocean's Eleven' and 'The Italian Job' glorify clever thieves and their sophisticated heists.
  • In literature, characters like Robin Hood are depicted as thieves with noble intentions.
  • Video games like 'Thief' allow players to step into the shoes of a master thief, emphasizing stealth and strategy.

Psychology

  • Research shows that motivations for thievery can vary, including financial need, impulse control issues, or thrill-seeking.
  • The social stigma attached to stealing can lead to a cycle of shame that perpetuates criminal behavior.
  • Some studies suggest that environments with higher rewards for risky behavior can lead to increased rates of theft.

Literature

  • Thievery often serves as a central theme in classic novels, reflecting societal challenges and moral dilemmas.
  • In 'Oliver Twist', Charles Dickens depicts the struggles of child thieves in Victorian England.
  • The biblical story of Achan highlights the consequences of theft within a community and its moral implications.

Origin of 'thievery'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English word 'รพฤซef', which meant 'thief'.
  • It evolved through Middle English before settling into its modern form.
  • Related terms in other languages include 'ladrรณn' in Spanish and 'voleur' in French, both meaning thief.

The term 'thievery' originates from the Old English word 'รพฤ“of', which means 'thief' or 'robber'. This root evolved into the term 'theft', which was adapted from the Proto-Germanic '*รพiubaz', leading to variations in different Germanic languages. The suffix '-ery' is used to denote a condition or state of being, so 'thievery' literally translates to the state of being a thief. Over time, the word has taken on both legal and colloquial connotations, often associated with organized crime or street-level pilfering. The evolution of 'thievery' reflects societal attitudes toward theft and has been shaped by legal definitions and cultural perceptions of crime throughout history.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,635 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.