Definition of steal
stole
play
\ˈstōl\;
stolen
play
\ˈstō-lən\;
stealing
intransitive verb
1
:to take the property of another wrongfully and especially as a habitual or regular practice
2
:to come or go secretly, unobtrusively, gradually, or unexpectedly
3
:to steal or attempt to steal a base
transitive verb
1 a
:to take or appropriate without right or leave and with intent to keep or make use of wrongfully
- stole a car
b
:to take away by force or unjust means
- they've stolen our liberty
c
:to take surreptitiously or without permission
- steal a kiss
d
:to appropriate to oneself or beyond one's proper share :make oneself the focus of
- steal the show
2 a
:to move, convey, or introduce secretly :smuggle
b
:to accomplish in a concealed or unobserved manner
- steal a visit
3 a
:to seize, gain, or win by trickery, skill, or daring
- a basketball player adept at stealing the ball
- stole the election
b
of a base runner
:to reach (a base) safely solely by running and usually catching the opposing team off guard
—
stealer
noun
—
steal a march on
:to gain an advantage on unobserved
—
steal one's thunder
:to grab attention from another especially by anticipating an idea, plan, or presentation;
also
:to claim credit for another's idea
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