thief Definition
a person who steals, especially secretly or without open force; one guilty of theft or larceny.
Using thief: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "thief" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The thief stole my wallet while I was distracted.
Example
The store caught the thief on camera.
Example
The police arrested the thief and charged him with grand larceny.
thief Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for thief
Antonyms for thief
- honest person
- law-abiding citizen
Phrases with thief
Example
The company laid off employees like a thief in the night, without warning or explanation.
use someone who is familiar with criminal activity to catch another criminal
Example
The detective decided to set a thief to catch a thief by hiring an ex-convict to help with the investigation.
finders keepers, losers weepers
a phrase used to suggest that whoever finds something is entitled to keep it
Example
The thief argued that he found the wallet on the street, but the judge reminded him that finders keepers, losers weepers does not apply to stolen property.
Origins of thief
from Old English 'thēof'
Summary: thief in Brief
A 'thief' [θiːf] is a person who steals, often secretly or without force. It can refer to various types of stealing, such as pickpocketing or burglary. Phrases like 'like a thief in the night' and 'set a thief to catch a thief' describe secretive or cunning behavior. The idiom 'finders keepers, losers weepers' suggests that whoever finds something is entitled to keep it.
