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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
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
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. Friday when the two officers from LAPD’s Southeast Division responded to a report of a robbery in the 9200 block of Central Avenue, according to police.
—Libor Jany, Los Angeles Times, 2 Nov. 2024
Moore's lawyers said his original attorneys did not analyze the crime scene carefully and left unchallenged prosecutors' contention that Moore, who came into the store unarmed, fired at a customer and that his intention from the start was a robbery.
—Jeffrey Collins The Associated Press, arkansasonline.com, 2 Nov. 2024
The first robbery was committed at gunpoint in Bridgeview, Illinois, in July 2023.
—Nadine El-Bawab, ABC News, 1 Nov. 2024
What happens during a typical lethal injection of an inmate
Moore was convicted of killing a White convenience store clerk, James Mahoney, during a 1999 robbery.
—Andy Rose, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for robbery
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Word History
First Known Use
13th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of robbery was
in the 13th century
Phrases Containing robbery
Dictionary Entries Near robbery
Cite this Entry
“Robbery.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/robbery. Accessed 13 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
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
More from Merriam-Webster on robbery
Nglish: Translation of robbery for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of robbery for Arabic Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about robbery
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