purloin
/pə:'lɔin/
Definition
- Verb:
- To steal something, especially in a sneaky or secretive way: "purloin" means to take something that belongs to someone else without permission, often in a manner that is not immediately noticed.
Usage
- The verb "purloin" is a formal or literary term for theft. It often implies that the act was done stealthily or furtively, without the owner's knowledge at the time.
- It is a transitive verb and requires a direct object (the thing that is stolen).
Examples
- Verb:
- The clerk was caught trying to purloin funds from the cash register.
- Someone had purloined the documents from the confidential file.
- He was accused of purloining several valuable paintings from the gallery.
Advanced Usage
- "to purloin from": to steal from a specific person, place, or source.
- The novel's plot revolves around a servant who purloins letters from her employer.
Variants and Related Words
- Purloiner (noun): a person who steals things, especially in a secretive manner.
- The purloiner of the jewels was never caught.
Synonyms
- Steal: to take another's property without permission or legal right (a more general term).
- Filch: to steal something of small value in a casual way.
- Pilfer: to steal things of little value, especially repeatedly or in small quantities.
- Swipe: (informal) to steal something quickly.
- Appropriate: to take something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission (often used in formal contexts and can imply a misuse of authority).
Antonyms
- Return: to give or bring something back.
- Restore: to give back something that was lost or stolen.
- Bestow: to give something as an honor or gift.
Related Idioms and Phrases
- While "purloin" itself is not commonly used in idioms, it is synonymous with the concept in the phrase:
- "To walk off with": to steal something, often casually.
- He just walked off with my pen when I wasn't looking. (This conveys a similar sneaky action as "purloin" but is more informal.)
Verb
-
make off with belongings of others
