Meaning & Definition of Steal in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To take (something) without the owner's consent.

  Example Sentence: He decided to steal the bike parked outside.

• Definition: To take away stealthily or secretly.

  Example Sentence: She tried to steal a glance at the surprise party preparations.

• Definition: To engage in theft.

  Example Sentence: Many people steal out of desperation.

• Definition: To take the opportunity to gain an advantage.

  Example Sentence: He managed to steal the show with his performance.

• Definition: To win or acquire in a manner considered unfair or opportunistic.

  Example Sentence: That last-minute goal felt like they had stolen the game.

Etymology

Origin: Middle English 'stealen', from Old English 'stelan'.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• steal someone's thunder: To take attention or praise from someone else's accomplishments.
• steal the show: To attract the most attention or be the most impressive.
• steal away: To leave secretly.

Translations

• Spanish: robar

• French: voler

• German: stehlen

• Russian: красть

Related Words

• thief: A person who steals.

• theft: The act of stealing.

• burglar: A person who illegally enters buildings to commit theft.

Slang Meanings of steal

• Meaning: Lift

  Example Sentence: He lifted that shirt right out of the store.

• Meaning: Boost

  Example Sentence: They boosted a car parked on the street.

• Meaning: Jack

  Example Sentence: They jacked a couple of bikes from the racks.