rob

[rɒb]

rob Definition

  • 1to take property unlawfully from a person or place, by force or threat of force
  • 2to deprive someone of something that is rightfully theirs

Using rob: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "rob" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The bank was robbed at gunpoint.

  • Example

    Someone broke into my house and robbed me of all my valuables.

  • Example

    He was robbed of his chance to win the race.

  • Example

    The company was accused of robbing its employees of their pensions.

  • Example

    She felt like the situation had robbed her of her happiness.

rob Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for rob

Antonyms for rob

Phrases with rob

  • to take something from one person or thing to give it to another, especially when it results in harm or loss for the first person or thing

    Example

    The government is robbing Peter to pay Paul by cutting funding for education to increase military spending.

  • to have a romantic relationship with someone who is much younger than oneself

    Example

    He's been criticized for robbing the cradle by dating someone half his age.

  • an act of charging an exorbitant or unfair price for something

    Example

    The price they charged for that meal was highway robbery!

Origins of rob

from Old English 'robbian', meaning 'to plunder'

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Summary: rob in Brief

The verb 'rob' [rɒb] means to take something unlawfully, often by force or threat. It can refer to stealing property or depriving someone of something rightfully theirs. Examples include 'The bank was robbed at gunpoint' and 'The company was accused of robbing its employees of their pensions.' Phrases like 'rob Peter to pay Paul' and 'highway robbery' extend the concept to other contexts.

How do native speakers use this expression?