thieve

[ theev ]

verb (used with object)

, thieved, thiev·ing.

1. to take by theft; steal.

verb (used without object)

, thieved, thiev·ing.

1. to act as a thief; commit theft; steal.

thieve

/ θiːv /

verb

1. to steal (someone's possessions)

Derived Forms

• ˈthievery, noun

Other Words From

• thieving·ly adverb
• outthieve verb (used with object) outthieved outthieving

Word History and Origins

Origin of thieve¹

before 950; Old English thēofian, derivative of theōf thief (not recorded in ME)

Word History and Origins

Origin of thieve¹

Old English thēofian, from thēof thief

Example Sentences

“Learn how to thieve constructively — for the struggle,” Colin scolds him when Tony is naïvely caught up in a bungled shoplifting caper.

From New York Times

Despite its ethereal vibe, “Riddle of Fire” has minor flares of violence and a central trio who curse, drink and thieve with some regularity.

From New York Times

No one but Kunthi, coming stealthily by night to thieve from us what little we had, unashamed as she was and always had been.

From Literature

“I was home and saw the lights coming in on the house and everything, and I looked and, he was like pulling in all the driveways. I thought maybe he was one of those guys, that they come to thieve, that has a garage door opener?”

From Seattle Times

“Worst election theft in the history of the United States” here means “poorest attempt to thieve an election that has ever happened; most disappointing failure to steal the election possible.”

From Washington Post