pilfer

[pil-fer]

verb (used with or without object)

1. to steal, especially in small quantities.

   Synonyms: appropriate, filch, purloin, thieve

pilfer

/ ˈpɪlfə /

verb

1. to steal (minor items), esp in small quantities

Other Word Forms

• pilferer noun
• unpilfered adjective
• pilfering noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilfer¹

1540–50; v. use of late Middle English pilfre booty < Middle French pelfre. See pelf

Word History and Origins

Origin of pilfer¹

C14 pylfre (n) from Old French pelfre booty; see _pelf

Example Sentences

He then declared a national emergency, allowing him to pilfer some military appropriations to build his wall.

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Surveillance footage obtained by ABC News showed suspects using crowbars to break glass and pilfer an estimated $1 million in loot, while others entered the store with handguns.

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Nick Frost pilfered two Lions line-outs as they turned the screw.

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The merchants, many of whom are based in L.A., have been locked in a yearslong legal battle with Brink’s over the value of their pilfered goods.

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I think the American dream used to be realizable by a huge and booming middle class, and that's been pilfered.

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Related Words

• filch 
• purloin 
• swipe