rob

verb

\ ˈräb

robbed; robbing

Definition of rob

transitive verb

1a(1) : to take something away from by force : steal from

(2) : to take personal property from by violence or threat

b(1) : to remove valuables without right from (a place)

(2) : to take the contents of (a receptacle)

c : to take away as loot : steal rob jewelry

2a : to deprive of something due, expected, or desired

b : to withhold unjustly or injuriously

intransitive verb

: to commit robbery

Other Words from rob Synonyms Can rob mean 'to steal'?: Usage Guide Example Sentences Learn More about rob

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Can rob mean 'to steal'?: Usage Guide

Transitive sense 1c, in which the direct object is the thing stolen, is sometimes considered to be wrong, or perhaps archaic. The sense has been in use since the 13th century and is found in earlier literature. contrive to rob the honey and subvert the hive — John Dryden It is still in use though not as common as other senses. then robbed $100 after the clerk fled — Springfield (Mass.) Morning Union

Examples of rob in a Sentence

Someone tried to rob me. The cashier was robbed at gunpoint.

Recent Examples on the Web

Maybe Hernandez could have robbed him of that double. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Process the focus as young Padres try to take PCL success into the majors," 28 Aug. 2019 While everyone aimed for the sky, Trout beat balls into the dirt, robbing him of the kind of sterling power numbers that would’ve made this a truly world-class season. — Jon Tayler, SI.com, "Ranking Mike Trout's Eight Seasons From Great to Greatest," 27 Aug. 2019 The Overland Stage Company had hired Slade to build and run this stop to keep him from robbing it. — Tom Noel, The Know, "16 strange, spooky and (mostly) true Colorado stories to tell around a campfire," 24 Aug. 2019 The employee recognized him as the same man that had robbed her and the store just the day before, according to police. — Houston Chronicle, "Man accused of robbing same Subway twice sought by police," 6 Aug. 2019 Wielding a gun, Jones ordered Means to strip with the intention of robbing him. — Cameron Knight, Cincinnati.com, "After a decade in jail, a woman convicted in a murder she didn't commit is free," 5 Aug. 2019 That shoulder surgery robbed him of his 2017 season. — Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Andrew Luck isn't practicing. Is it time to freak out?," 30 July 2019 Bowlen kept on keeping on for the next several years until Alzheimer’s robbed him of his life’s fourth quarter. — Ryan O'halloran, The Denver Post, "For Pat Bowlen, family, friends and adventure in Hawaii represented “perfect lifestyle”," 28 July 2019 No goop dripping out of one of the fruits tied to the end of it, robbing us all of that iconic imagery. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "All the differences between the original Lion King and the remake," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rob.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.