Entry Word: theft

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 the unlawful taking and carrying away of property without the consent of its owner <theft has never been a big problem at our school>

Synonyms larceny, robbery, stealing, thievery

Related Words burglary, housebreaking; embezzlement, embezzling, graft, misappropriation; filching, pilfering, purloining, shoplifting; abduction, hijacking, kidnapping, shanghaiing; despoilment, despoliation, looting, pillage, plundering, rapine; poaching, rustling, smuggling; banditry, piracy

2 an instance of theft <the police found the stolen car an hour after the theft was reported>

Synonyms grab, pinch, rip-off, snatching, swiping

Related Words burglary, holdup, mugging, stickup; confidence game, con game