purloin

/pə:'lɔin/

Thân thiện

A librarian notices a patron trying to purloin a book from the shelf.

Definition

1. 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.)

Học thuật

Verb

1. make off with belongings of others