Meaning & Definition
noun
the act of stealing; theft.
The store implemented new measures to prevent stealing.
something that has been stolen.
The police recovered several items of stealing during their investigation.
verb
the act of taking someone else's property without permission or legal right.
Stealing is a serious crime that can lead to imprisonment.
to take (something) unlawfully or without the owner's consent.
He was caught stealing a bicycle from the sidewalk.
to take away or remove in a sneaky or surreptitious manner.
The playful kitten was stealing my socks from the laundry basket.
Etymology
From Old English 'stelan', meaning 'to steal'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
caught in the act:
Discovered while committing a wrongdoing.
steal someone's thunder:
To take credit for someone else's idea or actions.
stealing kisses:
To kiss someone secretly or without their full knowledge.
Slang Meanings
Boosting
He was boosting clothes from the store.
Nick
She nicked a candy from the jar.
Swipe
I swiped a couple of pens from the office.