Definition

Noun: - A serious crime involving the unlawful taking and carrying away of another person's property, where the value of the property exceeds a legally specified threshold. This threshold varies by jurisdiction but is typically a significant sum of money, distinguishing it from the lesser crime of petty theft.

Usage

The term "grand theft" is used primarily in legal and formal contexts to classify a specific category of larceny based on the stolen property's value. It is often followed by a specification of the type of property (e.g., grand theft auto).

Examples

• The suspect was charged with grand theft for stealing jewelry valued at over $10,000.
• Grand theft of a firearm is considered a particularly serious offense in many states.
• The statute defines grand theft as the theft of property exceeding $950 in value.

Advanced Usage

• "Grand theft auto": A specific legal charge for the theft of a motor vehicle, which is often classified as grand theft regardless of the vehicle's specific value due to the nature of the property.
  • He was arrested and charged with grand theft auto after the police found him in the stolen car.

Variants and Related Words

• Petty theft (n): The unlawful taking of property whose value is below the legal threshold for grand theft; a less serious crime.
  • Shoplifting a low-value item is typically prosecuted as petty theft.
• Larceny (n): The broader legal term for theft, encompassing both grand and petty theft.
• Grand larceny (n): A synonym for "grand theft," commonly used in some legal jurisdictions.

Synonyms

• Grand larceny: The formal legal synonym.
• Felony theft: Emphasizes that the crime is a felony (a serious crime) due to the value involved.

Related Phrases

• Aggravated grand theft: A more severe charge of grand theft that may involve the use of a weapon, causing injury, or other aggravating circumstances.

Noun

1. larceny of property having a value greater than some amount (the amount varies by locale)