A2noun2K

Thief

UK /["/θiːf/","/θiːvz/"]/US /["/θiːf/","/θiːvz/"]/

Definition

a person who steals something from another person or place

In simple words: A person who steals things.

Examples

  • a **car/jewel thief**
  • a gang of thieves
  • **Thieves stole** £70 000 worth of jewellery from his home.
  • a **petty thief ***(= who steals items of quite low value)*
  • It is the fourth time the shop has been targeted by thieves.
  • A thief snatched her handbag containing her wages.
  • The alarm is usually sufficient to deter a would-be thief.
  • The thief struck while the family were out.

Usage notes

Use 'thief' in neutral contexts when discussing crime. Avoid in formal writings unless necessary; 'burglar' might be better for specific cases involving breaking and entering.

Grammar pattern

thief + noun (object stolen)

Memory hint

Think of a 'thief' who leaves a trail of 'he' (sounds like 'thief') behind as they escape.

Collocations

  • would-be
  • common
  • petty
  • gang
  • catch
  • snatch something
  • steal something
  • take something

Synonyms

  • robber
  • stealer
  • shoplifter
  • burglar
  • criminal

Antonyms

  • honest person
  • guardian

Common mistakes

  • 'Theif' is a common misspelling.
  • 'Thieves' is not commonly understood, often mispronounced.