Thieving

/ˈθiː.vɪŋ/

Meaning & Definition

verb

To steal or commit theft.

The thief was caught thieving from the local convenience store.

To act in a way that is deceitful or dishonest.

He was accused of thieving the idea for his new invention.

adjective

Relating to or characterized by stealing; as in a behavior resembling that of a thief.

Her thieving ways ultimately led to her downfall.

Having the qualities of a thief; kleptomaniacal.

The thieving raccoon raided the trash cans every night.

Middle English thieven, from Old English þēofan, related to thief.

caught thieving

to be caught stealing

thieving magpie

a person who steals recklessly or is overly grabby

thieving ways

typical behavior of a thief

thief

a person who steals, especially secretly or without force

steal

to take another person's property without permission

larceny

theft of personal property

filching

She was filching change from the cash register.

pinching

He's been pinching stuff from the store.