Definition

Noun: 1. A person who steals; a thief: Specifically, a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it.

Usage

The word "stealer" is a noun that directly identifies a person who commits the act of theft. It is a straightforward agent noun formed from the verb "steal." While it is grammatically correct and understood, in modern English, the more common and frequently used synonym is "thief."

Examples

• The security camera clearly identified the stealer of the wallet.
• He was known in the neighborhood as a petty stealer, often taking small items from unlocked cars.
• The police arrested the stealer who had been targeting local jewelry stores.

Advanced Usage

• "Stealer" in compound nouns: The word can appear in specific, often archaic or literary, compound terms. However, these are considered separate lexical items.
  • Heart-stealer: (noun) A person who is very charming and captures the affection of others.

    • The young actor became a heart-stealer after his first major film role.

Variants and Related Words

• Steal (verb): To take (another person's property) without permission or legal right.
• Theft (noun): The action or crime of stealing.
• Thief (noun): A person who steals, especially secretly or without open force. (This is the most common synonym for "stealer").
• Robber (noun): A person who commits robbery, typically involving force or threat.
• Burglar (noun): A person who commits burglary; a thief who enters a building illegally to steal.

Synonyms

• Thief
• Pilferer
• Larcenist
• Robber (implies confrontation or force)
• Burglar (implies illegal entry)

Phrasal Verbs / Related Verb Phrases

(Note: These are related to the root verb "steal," not the noun "stealer.") - 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 a glance/look: To look at someone or something quickly and secretly. - She stole a glance at her watch during the meeting.

Related Idioms

• Steal the show: To attract the most attention and praise, especially by giving the best performance.
  • The child actor completely stole the show with her performance.
• Steal someone's thunder: To take attention or praise away from someone, especially by doing what they were going to do.
  • He announced his own project just before mine, completely stealing my thunder.
• Steal a march on someone: To gain an advantage over someone by doing something before they do.
  • The company stole a march on its competitors by releasing the product early.

Noun

1. a criminal who takes property belonging to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it