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

Synonyms of robbery

• stealing
• theft

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

Al Pacino, in one of his most iconic roles, stars as Sonny Wortzik, a real-life bundle of raw nerves who attempts a bank robbery that quickly spirals out of control. —Eric Farwell, Entertainment Weekly, 12 June 2026

And while this robbery took place in San Francisco, crimes such as this aren’t particular to the Bay Area. —Jazmin Alvarado, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026

Lee has been incarcerated on the state's death row since his conviction in a 1998 double murder and store robbery. —CBS News, 12 June 2026

The Boston Police Department said two children were operating a lemonade stand on Wednesday, June 10, when the robbery occurred. —Liam Quinn, PEOPLE, 12 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

12th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing robbery

• armed robbery
• highway robbery

Rhymes for robbery

• jobbery
• snobbery

Kids Definition

robbery

noun

rob·​bery ˈräb-(ə-)rē 

plural robberies

: the act, practice, or an instance of robbing

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