Thief - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
A thief is a person who steals another’s property without permission, often secretly or by force. The term is used to describe someone who commits theft, a criminal act.
Definition:
A person who steals another's property, especially secretly or without force.
Synonyms:
robber, burglar, pickpocket, shoplifter
Part of Speech:
noun
Antonyms:
victim, owner
Common Collocations:
petty thief, master thief, catch a thief, thief in the night
Derivatives:
thievery, thieving, thievish
Usage Tips:
Use "thief" for someone who steals secretly; "robber" implies force or threat.
Common Phrases:
thick as thieves, honor among thieves, set a thief to catch a thief
Etymology:
From Old English "þēof," related to Dutch "dief" and German "Dieb."
Examples:
- 1. The thief stole my wallet on the bus.
- 2. She called the police after spotting a thief in her backyard.
- 3. The shop installed cameras to deter thieves.
- 4. A clever thief can pick locks quickly.