Definition

1. Verb:

   • To take something without permission or legal right, typically without the owner's knowledge or consent. This is the primary meaning, referring to the act of theft.
   • To move somewhere quietly or secretly. This meaning describes a furtive, unobtrusive movement.
   • (In baseball) To advance to a base safely as a baserunner during the pitcher's delivery, without the aid of a hit, walk, etc.

2. Noun:

   • An act of stealing; a theft. This refers to the instance or item involved in a theft.
   • Something acquired at a surprisingly low cost; a bargain. This is an informal use.
   • (In baseball) The act or instance of stealing a base.

Usage Examples

• Verb:

  • Someone stole my wallet on the train. (To take without permission)
  • The cat tried to steal across the yard without being seen. (To move secretly)
  • The runner decided to steal second base. (Baseball)

• Noun:

  • The art museum reported a major steal last night. (An act of theft)
  • This vintage jacket was a real steal at only twenty dollars. (A bargain)
  • He has over thirty steals this season. (Baseball)

Advanced Usage

• "to steal a glance/look": to look at someone or something quickly and secretly.

  • She stole a glance at her watch during the meeting.

• "to steal the show": to attract the most attention and praise, often unexpectedly.

  • The young actor completely stole the show with his performance.

• "to steal someone's heart": to make someone fall in love with you, often in a charming way.

  • The puppy stole our hearts the moment we saw him.

• "to steal a march on someone": to gain an advantage over a competitor by acting before they do.

  • The company stole a march on its rivals by launching the product early.

Variants and Related Words

• Stealth (n): Cautious and secretive action or movement.

  • The leopard moves with incredible stealth.

• Stealthy (adj): Behaving or done in a cautious and surreptitious manner.

  • He made a stealthy approach towards the door.

Synonyms

• Verb (to take): Pilfer, purloin, filch, swipe, snatch.
• Verb (to move secretly): Sneak, creep, slip, slink.
• Noun (bargain): Bargain, deal.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Steal away: To leave a place quietly or secretly.

  • He stole away from the party without saying goodbye.

• Steal over: (Of a feeling) to gradually affect someone.

  • A sense of calm stole over her as she listened to the music.

• Steal up on: To approach someone or something quietly and secretly.

  • Try to steal up on the birds without startling them.

Related Idioms

• Steal someone's thunder: To take the credit or attention away from someone else, especially by using their ideas or methods first.

  • I was going to announce my promotion, but my colleague stole my thunder by announcing hers just before me.

• Steal a kiss: To kiss someone suddenly or secretly.

  • In the movie, the hero steals a kiss from the heroine.

Noun

1. a stolen base; an instance in which a base runner advances safely during the delivery of a pitch (without the help of a hit or walk or passed ball or wild pitch)
2. an advantageous purchase
   • she got a bargain at the auction
   • the stock was a real buy at that price

Verb

1. steal a base
2. move stealthily
   • The ship slipped away in the darkness
3. take without the owner's consent
   • Someone stole my wallet on the train
   • This author stole entire paragraphs from my dissertation