Meaning & Definition of Theft in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: The criminal act of taking someone else's property with the intention of permanently depriving them of it.

  Example Sentence: The theft of the valuable painting went unnoticed until the gallery's inventory was checked.

• Definition: An instance of stealing.

  Example Sentence: After the theft, the police increased patrols in the area.

• Definition: The crime of stealing.

  Example Sentence: The suspect was charged with theft after being caught on camera.

Etymology

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

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• 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.

Translations

• Spanish: robo

• French: vol

• German: Diebstahl

• Russian: кража

Related Words

• 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.

Slang Meanings of theft

• Meaning: sticky fingers

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

• Meaning: boost

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