shoplift

American  

[shop-lift] / ˈʃɒpˌlɪft /

verb (used with object)

1. to steal (merchandise) as a shoplifter.

---

verb (used without object)

1. to shoplift merchandise.

Other Word Forms

• antishoplifting adjective

Etymology

Origin of shoplift

First recorded in 1810–20; back formation from shoplifter

Explanation

When a customer in a store pretends to browse but actually slips items into their bag or pocket, they shoplift. Historians trace the first documented shoplifting to London during the 16th century. And although people certainly stole things before that, the act of surreptitiously lifting goods from store shelves hadn't been described as shoplifting before that. Today, big chains expect that a certain number of customers will shoplift — though they work to prevent it using things like cameras, dyepacks, and security guards — and describe the losses caused by it as "shrinkage."

Example Sentences

Entire carts full of items with no supervision at self-checkout is an invitation to shoplift, especially to those with limited resources.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 5, 2023

Last year, Lola was working full-time on a good salary and she didn't shoplift.

From BBC • Jul. 29, 2023

Mr. Hayes said people seem to be feeling less shame and embarrassment when they shoplift.

From Washington Times • Jun. 13, 2023

“The family knows her to be a hard-working young lady who didn’t shoplift, didn’t steal and was able to afford to purchase things that she needed and wanted,” Caleb said.

From Washington Post • Nov. 12, 2022

He’ll know something’s up in the same way he always knows which customer is going to shoplift or who’s good for an IOU and who’s not.

From "The Sun Is Also a Star" by Nicola Yoon

Related Words

• pilfer