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

• larceny
• stealing
• theft
• thievery

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

Do not physically resist any robbery attempt unless forced into a vehicle or remote area. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 May 2025

In the film, tech-savvy thief Cole (DeHaan) exploits his highly specialized skills to commit high-tech robberies from his laptop. —Katcy Stephan, Variety, 7 May 2025

Upshaw has a 2017 robbery conviction, and has been convicted of gun possession before, according to the criminal complaint. —Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 7 May 2025

Rickey White, her alleged accomplice, was also arrested in relation to the incident on charges of simple robbery and several counts of fraud. —Adam Sabes, FOXNews.com, 5 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th 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