theft

noun

ˈtheft 

1

a

: the act of stealing

specifically : the felonious taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it

b

: an unlawful taking (as by embezzlement or burglary) of property

2

: a stolen base in baseball

3

obsolete : something stolen

Synonyms of theft

• robbery
• stealing

Examples of theft in a Sentence

The theft of the jewelry and other valuables was immediately reported to the police.

He was found guilty of theft.

Recent Examples on the Web

At least five lawsuits in Miami-Dade In recent years, several investors sued Jacobus and his firm, accusing them of fraud and civil theft involving tens of millions of dollars, according to civil court filings. —Jay Weaver, Miami Herald, 27 Nov. 2025

But now East Bay police are also investigating Chapina-Gonzalez and others for alleged involvement in a large auto theft ring targeting high-end cars for resale. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Nov. 2025

Investigators discovered that Lawless lived in Florida from the early 1980s through 1993 — and had a long criminal history that included burglaries, theft, auto theft, robbery, fraud, battery and prostitution, dating back to the 1940s. —Christine Pelisek, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025

The card also comes with *purchase protection, which protects covered purchases made against accidental damage and theft for up to 90 days after purchase. —Ryley Amond, CNBC, 27 Nov. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English thiefthe, from Old English thīefth; akin to Old English thēof thief

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing theft

• anti-theft
• grand theft
• identity theft
• petit theft
• petty theft

Rhymes for theft

• cleft
• deft
• heft
• left
• bereft

Kids Definition

theft

noun

ˈtheft 

: the act of stealing

Legal Definition

theft

noun

: larceny

broadly : a criminal taking of the property or services of another without consent

Note: Theft commonly encompasses by statute a variety of forms of stealing formerly treated as distinct crimes.

— grand theft

: theft of property or services whose value exceeds a specified amount or of a specified kind of property (as an automobile)

Note: Grand theft is a felony.

— identity theft

: the unauthorized use of another's means of identification (as name or social security number) for the purpose of committing theft or another crime

— petty theft

: theft of property or services whose value is below a specified amount

called also petit theft

Note: Petty theft is a misdemeanor but may be aggravated by prior convictions.

Etymology

Old English thiefth