Definition

1. Verb:
   • To steal (typically things of small value or in small quantities): "pilfer" means to take something that belongs to someone else without permission, especially in a sneaky or petty manner. It often implies stealing items of relatively low value or stealing small amounts over time.

Usage

• The verb "pilfer" is used to describe the act of petty theft. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the thing that is stolen).
• It often carries a connotation of stealth, opportunity, and the minor nature of the theft. It is less severe than words like "rob" or "burglarize."
• Common Collocations: pilfer money, pilfer supplies, pilfer from (a place or person).

Examples

• Verb:
  • The office manager discovered that someone had been pilfering stationery from the supply closet.
  • He was caught pilfering coins from the cash register when the shop was quiet.
  • It's not uncommon for guests to pilfer towels from hotel rooms.

Advanced Usage

• "to pilfer from": to steal from a specific source, person, or place.
  • The intern was accused of pilfering from the petty cash box.
• The act can be described as pilferage (noun), referring to the practice or an instance of stealing small items.
  • The company's profits were affected by high levels of pilferage in the warehouse.

Variants and Related Words

• Pilferer (noun): a person who pilfers; a petty thief.
  • The security camera helped identify the pilferer.
• Pilferage (noun): the action of pilfering; petty theft.
  • The store installed new locks to reduce pilferage.

Synonyms

• Steal: to take another's property without permission (a more general term).
• Filch: to steal (something of little value) in a casual way.
• Swipe: (informal) to steal quickly or slyly.
• Snitch: (slang) to steal.
• Purloin: (formal or humorous) to steal, often implying the theft was carried out skillfully.

Antonyms

• Return: to give back.
• Donate: to give for a good cause.
• Purchase: to buy.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• "Fingers like sticky fingers": This idiom describes a person prone to pilfering or stealing small items.
  • Be careful with your purse around him; he's got fingers like sticky fingers.
• While not a phrasal verb, the construction "to be pilfered" is common in passive voice to describe the state of the stolen items.
  • The charity collection tin had been pilfered.

Verb

1. make off with belongings of others