shoplift

Thân thiện

A teenager shoplifts a candy bar from a convenience store.

Definition

Verb: * To steal merchandise from a store that is open for business, typically by concealing items on one's person or in a bag and leaving without paying.

Usage

The verb "shoplift" describes the specific criminal act of theft from a retail establishment. It is an intransitive verb (it does not take a direct object) when describing the action generally, and a transitive verb when specifying what was stolen. * Intransitive: The security guard suspected the teenager was trying to shoplift. * Transitive: She was caught shoplifting a bottle of perfume.

Examples

• The store installed new cameras to deter people from shoplifting.
• He was arrested after shoplifting several electronic items.
• Shoplifting is a common problem for many retailers.

Advanced Usage

• "to be caught shoplifting": To be discovered and detained in the act of stealing from a store.
  • The celebrity was embarrassed after being caught shoplifting.
• Gerund/Noun form: The act itself can be referred to as "shoplifting."
  • The police were called to investigate a case of shoplifting.

Variants and Related Words

• Shoplifter (noun): A person who steals goods from a store.
  • The shoplifter was banned from the mall.
• Shoplifting (noun): The crime or act of stealing from a store.
  • The company's losses due to shoplifting were significant.

Synonyms

• Steal: To take another's property without permission or legal right. (This is a more general term; "shoplift" specifies the location.)
• Pilfer: To steal things of little value, especially in small quantities. (Can occur in various settings, not exclusively stores.)
• Swipe (informal): To steal, especially quickly or casually.

Antonyms

• Purchase: To buy something by paying for it.
• Pay for: To give money in exchange for goods or services.

Related Phrases

• Petty theft / Larceny: The legal category of crime that shoplifting often falls under, typically involving items of lower value.
• Loss prevention: The department or measures in a store designed to stop theft, including shoplifting.
• Anti-theft device: A security tag or mechanism placed on merchandise to prevent shoplifting.

Học thuật

Verb

1. steal in a store