robbery

noun

rob·​bery ˈrä-b(ə-)rē 

plural robberies

: the act or practice of robbing

specifically : larceny from the person or presence of another by violence or threat

Synonyms

• larceny
• stealing
• theft
• thievery

Examples of robbery in a Sentence

a series of armed robberies

They foiled a bank robbery.

He is charged with attempted robbery.

She was arrested for robbery.

Recent Examples on the Web

Game 1: Adam Frazier shines with HR robbery as Royals win 8-0 over Tigers Web Gem: Inside Kyle Isbel’s incredible catch against the Toronto Blue Jays Here are more notables from Saturday’s game: Brady Singer battles feisty Tigers lineup Singer kept the Tigers in check in the early going. —Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2024

The Police Department hasn’t said what was taken in the robbery. —Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 26 Apr. 2024

Fowler faces charges of murder, two counts of burglary and robbery resulting in serious bodily injury. —Sarah Nelson, The Indianapolis Star, 26 Apr. 2024

The dangers of truck driving and ways to protect yourself The heist is the latest in truck robberies throughout the city. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 23 Apr. 2024

Post-pandemic worries about crime were fueled by videos depicting brazen carjackings, home robberies and smash and grab assaults on stores. —Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 23 Apr. 2024

The robbery killed Jennifer Stahl, a 39-year-old small-time actress turned high-end pot dealer, and her friends Charles Helliwell and Stephen King. —Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 23 Apr. 2024

As of March, postal robberies had fallen 19% over the previous five months, according to postal service data. —Khristopher J. Brooks, CBS News, 17 Apr. 2024

Investigators said the robberies started in early March. —Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing robbery

• armed robbery
• highway robbery

Kids Definition

robbery

noun

rob·​bery ˈräb-(ə-)rē 

plural robberies

: the act, practice, or an instance of robbing

Legal Definition

robbery

noun

rob·​bery

plural robberies

: the unlawful taking away of personal property from a person by violence or by threat of violence that causes fear : larceny from the person or immediate presence of another by violence or threat of violence and with intent to steal

— aggravated robbery

: robbery committed with aggravating factors (as use of a weapon, infliction of bodily injury, or use of an accomplice)

— armed robbery

: robbery committed by a person armed with a dangerous or deadly weapon

— simple robbery

: robbery that does not involve any aggravating factors

Etymology

Anglo-French robberie roberie, from Old French, from rober to take something away from a person by force