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thief

noun \ˈthēf\

: a person who steals something

plural thieves \ˈthēvz\

Full Definition of THIEF

: one that steals especially stealthily or secretly; also : one who commits theft or larceny

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Origin of THIEF

Middle English theef, from Old English thēof; akin to Old High German diob thief

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to THIEF

Synonyms: larcenist, pincher, purloiner, robber, stealer

Other Legal Terms

actionable, alienable, carceral, chattel, complicity, decedent, larceny, malfeasance, modus operandi

Rhymes with THIEF

beef, brief, chief, fief, grief, kef, leaf, lief, reef, sheaf

THIEF Defined for Kids

thief

noun \ˈthēf\

plural thieves \ˈthēvz\

Definition of THIEF for Kids

: a person who steals : robber

Learn More About THIEF

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "thief"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "thief"

Nglish: Translation of "thief" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "thief" for Arabic speakers

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