pilfer

pil·fer

verb \ˈpil-fər\

pil·feredpil·fer·ing\-f(ə-)riŋ\

Definition of PILFER

intransitive verb

: steal; especially : to steal stealthily in small amounts and often again and again

transitive verb

: steal; especially : to steal in small quantities

— pil·fer·able \-f(ə-)rə-bəl\ adjective

— pil·fer·age \-f(ə-)rij\ noun

— pil·fer·er \-fər-ər\ noun

— pil·fer·proof \-ˌprüf\ adjective

Examples of PILFER

1. She pilfered stamps and paper from work.
2. <what sort of person would pilfer lunches from the office refrigerator?>

Origin of PILFER

Middle French pelfrer, from pelfre booty

First Known Use: circa 1548

Related to PILFER

Synonyms: appropriate, boost [slang], filch, heist, hook, lift, misappropriate, nick [British slang], nip, steal, pinch, pocket, purloin, rip off, snitch, swipe, thieve

Related Words: burglarize, knock over, rob; loot, pillage, plunder, sack; carjack, hijack (also highjack); pick, rifle; poach, rustle, shoplift; collar, grab, grasp, nail, seize, snatch, take; mooch, sponge; abduct, kidnap, shanghai, spirit

Near Antonyms: buy, purchase; bestow, contribute, donate, give, hand over, present

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See Synonym Discussion at steal