shoplift

[shop-lift]

verb (used with object)

1. to steal (merchandise) as a shoplifter.

verb (used without object)

1. to shoplift merchandise.

Other Word Forms

• antishoplifting adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of shoplift¹

First recorded in 1810–20; back formation from shoplifter

Example Sentences

Tired of rampant shoplifting scaring away citizens and shoppers, Long Beach is trying to force stores to add staff and reduce dependence on self-checkout.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

If elected, Sliwa said he would hire 7,000 more police officers and do more to end building package theft and drugstore shoplifting.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The home secretary will launch a "winter of action" scheme in a bid to tackle shoplifting.

Read more on BBC

"Clients have said to us that we're lifesavers and without us people have admitted they would be forced to shoplift just to survive," Mr Lucas said.

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Instead of defunding the police, he’s hiring more officers and cracking down on shoplifting and drug crimes.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• pilfer