filch
/filtʃ/
Definition
- Verb:
- To steal something, especially something of small value or in a sneaky, casual manner. It implies taking something quickly and furtively, often without the owner noticing immediately.
Examples of Usage
- Verb:
- Someone filched my pen from my desk while I was away.
- The mischievous child was caught trying to filch cookies from the jar.
Advanced Usage
- "to filch something from someone/somewhere": This is the standard construction, emphasizing the source of the theft.
- He was accused of filching confidential documents from the office.
Variants and Related Words
- Filcher (noun): A person who filches; a petty thief.
- The store installed cameras to deter filchers.
Synonyms
- Pilfer: To steal (typically things of small value) in small quantities.
- Swipe: (Informal) To steal quickly.
- Snitch: (Slang) To steal.
- Purloin: (Formal) To steal, often implying a breach of trust.
Related Phrasal Verbs
(This word is not commonly used in phrasal verb constructions. The action is typically expressed simply as "filch [object]".)
Related Idioms
(There are no common idioms that use the exact word "filch." The word itself carries the idiomatic sense of a sneaky, minor theft.)
Verb
-
make off with belongings of others
