Theft — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈtheft/

Meaning & Definition of Theft

Theft (noun)

  1. the act of stealing; specifically, the felonious taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it
  2. an unlawful taking (as by embezzlement or burglary) of property
  3. a stolen base in baseball

Theft (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. the unlawful taking and carrying away of property without the consent of its owner

    "while violent crime in the city has decreased dramatically, rates of theft and vandalism have risen slightly"

    similar: larceny, robbery, stealing, thievery
    related: burglary, housebreaking, embezzlement, embezzling, graft, misapplication, misappropriation, peculation, petit larceny, petty larceny, filching, pilferage, pilfering, purloining, shoplifting, abduction, carjacking, hijacking, kidnapping, shanghaiing, despoilment, despoliation, looting, pillage, plundering, rapine, spoliation, poaching, rustling, black marketeering, smuggling, banditry, piracy

  2. an instance of theft

    "the police found the stolen car an hour after the theft was reported"

    similar: grab, heist, pinch, rip-off, snatching, swiping
    related: break-in, burglary, holdup, mugging, stickup

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Theft

The most common words with a similar meaning to Theft:

larceny, robbery, stealing, thievery, grab, heist, pinch, rip-off, snatching, swiping

Related Words for Theft

burglary, housebreaking, embezzlement, embezzling, graft, misapplication, misappropriation, peculation, petit larceny, petty larceny, filching, pilferage, pilfering, purloining, shoplifting, abduction, carjacking, hijacking, kidnapping, shanghaiing, despoilment, despoliation, looting, pillage, plundering, rapine, spoliation, poaching, rustling, black marketeering

Origin & Etymology of Theft

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

First known use: before 12th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Theft

Words & Phrases Containing Theft

anti-theft, grand theft, identity theft, petit theft, petty theft

Frequently Asked Questions about Theft

What does "Theft" mean?

"Theft" means the act of stealing; specifically, the felonious taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. As a noun, it is defined as: the act of stealing; specifically, the felonious taking and removing of personal property with intent to deprive the rightful owner of it. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Theft"?

Other words for "Theft" include larceny, robbery, stealing, thievery, grab, heist, pinch and rip-off. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Theft" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Theft"?

There are 47 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Theft". Common alternatives include larceny, robbery, stealing, thievery, grab, heist, pinch, rip-off, snatching and swiping.

How do you use "Theft" in a sentence?

Examples of "Theft" in a sentence: "while violent crime in the city has decreased dramatically, rates of theft and vandalism have risen slightly"; "the police found the stolen car an hour after the theft was reported".

Is "Theft" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Theft" is a noun.

Is "Theft" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Theft" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Theft"?

"Theft" is pronounced /ˈtheft/.

What is the origin of the word "Theft"?

"Theft" comes from Middle English thiefthe, from Old English thīefth; akin to Old English thēof thief. First known use: before 12th century.