theft
Theft is the act of stealing something that belongs to another person. It refers to the crime of taking property without permission and with the intent to keep it.
Examples
3 of 5The theft of my bicycle happened while I was in the shop.
Someone stole my bicycle while I was inside the store.
The police issued a formal report regarding the jewelry theft.
The police wrote an official paper about the stolen jewelry.
I can't believe the theft of my sandwich from the fridge!
I am shocked that someone took my sandwich from the refrigerator!
Word Family
Memory Tip
Theft ends with 'ft' just like the word 'fast'—a person committing a theft must be fast to get away!
Quick Quiz
The ___ of the computer was caught on the security camera.
Correct!
The correct answer is: theft
Examples
The theft of my bicycle happened while I was in the shop.
everydaySomeone stole my bicycle while I was inside the store.
The police issued a formal report regarding the jewelry theft.
formalThe police wrote an official paper about the stolen jewelry.
I can't believe the theft of my sandwich from the fridge!
informalI am shocked that someone took my sandwich from the refrigerator!
The research paper discusses the economic impact of identity theft.
academicThe academic writing looks at how stealing people's information affects money.
Our company policy protects employees against the theft of personal items.
businessThe business rules help workers if their private things are stolen at work.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
Grand theft auto
The crime of stealing a car
Petty theft
Stealing items of low value
Identity theft
Using someone else's name or data illegally
Often Confused With
Theft is taking property secretly, while robbery involves using force or threats against a person.
Theft is the name of the crime, while a thief is the person who commits the crime.
Usage Notes
Use 'theft' to describe the general crime or a specific incident of stealing. It is usually followed by the preposition 'of'.
Common Mistakes
Avoid saying 'he did a theft'; instead, use 'he committed theft' or 'there was a theft'. Don't confuse the action (theft) with the person (thief).
Memory Tip
Theft ends with 'ft' just like the word 'fast'—a person committing a theft must be fast to get away!
Word Origin
From the Old English word 'thiefth', which comes from the word 'thief'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In most legal systems, theft is categorized by the value of the items stolen (petty vs. grand theft).
Quick Quiz
The ___ of the computer was caught on the security camera.
Correct!
The correct answer is: theft
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More law words
prosecutor
A1A prosecutor is a lawyer who works for the government. Their job is to show a court that someone has committed a crime.
defendant
A1A defendant is a person or organization that is being accused of a crime or is being sued in a court of law. This person is required to answer the legal charges brought against them by another party.
plaintiff
A1A person or group who brings a legal case against another in a court of law. They are the ones starting the lawsuit because they believe they have been wronged.
jury
A1A group of ordinary people chosen to listen to the facts of a trial in a court of law. They listen to the evidence and decide if a person is guilty or not guilty.
lawsuit
A1A lawsuit is a legal case where one person or group brings a disagreement to a court of law for a judge to decide. It usually happens when someone wants money or a specific action from another person because of a problem or injury.
proof
A1Proof is a fact or a piece of information that shows something is true. In a legal context, it is what a person uses to convince a judge or jury that a crime happened.
misdemeanor
A1A misdemeanor is a minor crime that is less serious than a felony. It is usually punished by a fine or a short period of time in a local jail rather than a state prison.
sentence
A1A sentence is a punishment given by a judge to someone who has been found guilty of a crime. It explains how much time a person must spend in prison or how much money they must pay as a fine.
bail
A1Bail is a sum of money paid to a court so that a person who has been accused of a crime can stay out of jail until their trial starts. If the person shows up for their court date, the money is usually returned.
fraud
A1Fraud is the illegal act of tricking someone to get their money or property. It is a crime where a person lies or hides the truth to gain an unfair advantage.
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