shoplift

[ shop-lift ]

verb (used with object)

1. to steal (merchandise) as a shoplifter.

verb (used without object)

1. to shoplift merchandise.

Other Words From

• anti·shoplifting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoplift¹

First recorded in 1810–20; back formation from shoplifter

Example Sentences

It’s a lot harder to shoplift by pretending to scan an item when the cart is watching and making a record of what goes in and out.

From TechCrunch

As is shown in the series, he drank too much and shoplifted hundreds of dollars worth of items, among other erratic behaviors.

From Time

She says she continues to shoplift — something she’d never done before the pandemic — every few weeks.

From Washington Post

We stole bikes, shoplifted and caused vast amounts of property damage.

From Ozy

Whenever she felt the urge to shoplift, for example, she forced herself to write a song.

From Time

I'll bet he couldn't walk into a store without figuring out a way to shoplift.

From Project Gutenberg

If you've been hired to build a shoplift-proof store, you'd better know how to shoplift.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• pilfer