Definition

Noun A person who steals something from another person or place, especially secretly and without using force or threat of violence. A thief typically takes property that belongs to someone else with the intention of keeping it or selling it.

Usage

The word "thief" is a countable noun. It refers to the person who commits the act of theft. It is a general term for someone who steals.

Examples

• The thief stole my wallet from my back pocket on the crowded train.
• Police arrested the thief who had been breaking into cars in the neighborhood.
• She felt like a thief for taking office supplies home, even though it was a common practice.

Advanced Usage

• "A thief in the night": This phrase describes someone or something that acts stealthily, secretly, and unexpectedly, much like a burglar. It is often used metaphorically.
  • The economic crisis struck like a thief in the night, catching everyone unprepared.
• "Opportunity makes a thief" (Proverb): This means that a person might be tempted to steal if a good opportunity arises, suggesting that circumstances can lead to crime.

Variants and Related Words

• Theft (n): The action or crime of stealing.
  • He was charged with theft.
• Thieve (v): To steal things. (This verb is less common than "steal").
  • They were accused of thieving from the market stalls.
• Thievery (n): The practice of stealing; theft.
  • The shop installed cameras to prevent thievery.

Synonyms

• Robber: A person who steals from a person or place, often using force or threat. (A holds up a bank; a might pick a pocket).
• Burglar: A person who illegally enters a building to commit theft or another crime.
• Pickpocket: A thief who steals from people's pockets or bags in public places.
• Shoplifter: A thief who steals goods from a store while pretending to be a customer.

Idioms

• "Set a thief to catch a thief": This idiom means that the best person to catch a criminal is someone who understands criminal methods because they have been one themselves. It suggests using a person's questionable skills for a good purpose.
  • The security company hired former hackers, operating on the principle of setting a thief to catch a thief.

Noun

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