stolen

A child's bicycle was stolen from the front yard.

Definition

stolen (adjective) 1. Taken dishonestly: describes something that has been taken without right or permission, typically with the intention of keeping it. - The stolen car was recovered by the police. (The vehicle had been taken illegally.) 2. Obtained surreptitiously: refers to something acquired in a secret or stealthy manner, often without the owner's knowledge. - He had a stolen glance at the documents. (He looked at the papers quickly and secretly.)

stolen is the past participle of the verb steal.

Usage Examples

• (Items taken illegally were found in his possession.)
• (A brief, secret period of calm.)
• (The paintings taken unlawfully were given back.)

Advanced Usage

• "stolen valor": claiming false credit for military achievements.

  • The man was accused of stolen valor for wearing medals he never earned. (He dishonestly claimed to be a decorated soldier.)

• "stolen thunder": taking credit for someone else's idea or achievement.

  • Her announcement of the project stole his thunder. (She took the attention and credit away from him.)

Variants and Related Words

• Steal (verb): to take something without right.

  • He tried to steal a wallet from the store. (He attempted to take it illegally.)

• Stealth (noun): the quality of being secretive or careful.

  • The cat moved with stealth to catch the mouse. (It moved silently and secretly.)

• Stealthy (adjective): acting in a secret or quiet way.

  • The stealthy burglar avoided detection. (The thief moved secretly.)

Synonyms

• Taken unlawfully: acquired without legal right.
• Pilfered: stolen, especially in small amounts.
• Looted: stolen during a riot or war.

Phrasal Verbs

• Steal away: to leave quietly or secretly.

  • They stole away from the party unnoticed. (They left secretly.)

• Steal up on: to approach someone quietly without being noticed.

  • He stole up on his friend to surprise him. (He approached silently.)

Related Idioms

• Steal a march on someone: to gain an advantage over someone by doing something before them.

  • The company stole a march on its competitors by releasing the product early. (It gained an advantage by acting first.)

• Steal someone's heart: to make someone fall in love with you.

  • Her kindness stole his heart. (He fell in love with her because of her kindness.)