pilfer

American  

[pil-fer] / ˈpɪl fər /

verb (used with or without object)

1. to steal, especially in small quantities.

   Synonyms:

   appropriate, filch, purloin, thieve

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pilfer British  

/ ˈpɪlfə /

verb

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

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Other Word Forms

• pilferer noun
• pilfering noun
• unpilfered adjective

Etymology

Origin of pilfer

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

Explanation

To pilfer is to steal something, typically of small value. Minor thefts, like taking a roll of toilet paper out of a public bathroom or napkins from the Early Bird Buffet are what your grandfather, for example, might pilfer. The verb pilfer comes from the Old French noun pelfre, meaning “booty,” or “spoils.” Now pilfer is used when talking about the act of stealing loot: you may find that you have to really restrain yourself from the desire to pilfer your friend’s new fur-lined gloves, even though you're pretty sure she pilfered your headphones. Robin Hood was able to pilfer from the rich to give to the poor.

Example Sentences

There, detectives watched a four-person crew suspected in the thefts pilfer more Scratchers.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2024

Still, they ignited conspiracy theories that caused people to pilfer the county-issued pens — and prompted officials to switch out the brand for the general election.

From Washington Post • Nov. 7, 2022

There's never a need to pilfer through your cabinets, to be knocked over in a cascade of plastic storage containers à la those decades old infomercials, or to haphazardly use a cumbersome espresso maker.

From Salon • Oct. 16, 2022

Meta said it would be sharing tips with potential victims on how they can avoid being “re-compromised” by learning how to better spot problematic apps that pilfer credentials, whether for Facebook or other accounts.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 7, 2022

The wretch whom av'rice bids to pinch and spare, Starve, cheat, and pilfer, to enrich an heir, Is coarse brown-paper; such as pedlers choose To wrap up wares, which better men will use.

From The Life of Benjamin Franklin Illustrated by Tales, Sketches, and Anecdotes by Goodrich, Samuel G. (Samuel Griswold)

Related Words

• filch
• purloin
• swipe