Theft

/θɛft/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The act of taking someone else's property without their permission with the intent to permanently deprive them of it.

The police arrested two suspects in connection with a series of car thefts.

A crime or offense resulting from the act of theft.

The store reported a theft of over a thousand dollars' worth of merchandise.

An unlawful taking of property.

He was charged with theft after stealing bicycles from the local park.

The act of stealing; larceny.

The increase in theft in the neighborhood has led to community meetings on how to improve safety.

Middle English 'thefte', from Old English 'þyfe', related to the verb 'þyfian' meaning 'to steal'.

petty theft

The theft of items of relatively low value.

grand theft

Theft of property or money over a certain value threshold, typically felonious.

theft by deception

Obtaining property through dishonest means such as lying.

robbery

The taking of property from a person or place by force or threat.

burglary

The unlawful entry into a building with the intent to commit a crime, usually theft.

larceny

The unlawful taking of personal property with the intent to deprive the owner of it.

sticky fingers

He's got sticky fingers; you can't trust him around your stuff.

boost

He got caught trying to boost a bike from the store.