shoplifting
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: * The criminal act of stealing merchandise from a retail store while it is open for business. It involves taking goods that are on display for sale without paying for them.
Usage
- Shoplifting is a specific type of theft that occurs in a commercial setting. It is typically considered a misdemeanor for smaller values but can be a felony for high-value items.
- The word is used as a non-count noun to describe the general crime or activity.
- Example: The store has a zero-tolerance policy for shoplifting.
- It can also be used as a count noun when referring to specific instances.
- Example: There were three reported shopliftings at the mall last week.
Examples
- Security cameras are used to deter shoplifting.
- She was arrested for shoplifting a pair of sunglasses.
- The increase in shoplifting has led to higher prices for consumers.
Advanced Usage
- Professional/Organized Shoplifting: Refers to shoplifting conducted by individuals or groups who steal to resell the goods, often using sophisticated techniques.
- Shoplifting is a common example used in legal discussions about (criminal intent) and petty crime.
Variants and Related Words
- Shoplift (verb): To commit the act of shoplifting.
- Example: He was caught trying to shoplift a book.
- Shoplifter (noun): A person who commits shoplifting.
- Example: The shoplifter was detained by store security.
Synonyms
- Pilfering: Stealing items of little value (often implies theft from an employer or in small quantities).
- Theft/Larceny: Broader legal terms for the unlawful taking of property. Shoplifting is a subset of these.
- Five-finger discount (slang, informal): A humorous or cynical term for shoplifting.
Related Terms (Industry/Euphemism)
- Shrinkage: A broad business term used in retail for inventory loss, which includes shoplifting, employee theft, supplier fraud, and administrative errors.
- Example: The store's annual shrinkage was largely due to shoplifting.
Noun
- the act of stealing goods that are on display in a store
- shrinkage is the retail trade's euphemism for shoplifting