thieve

American  

[theev] / θiv /

verb (used with object)

thieved, thieving

1. to take by theft; steal.

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verb (used without object)

thieved, thieving

1. to act as a thief; commit theft; steal.

thieve British  

/ θiːv /

verb

1. to steal (someone's possessions)

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Usage

What does thieve mean? To thieve is to steal—to commit theft. A person who thieves is a thief. The words thief and theft are often used in situations in which a person steals in secret and without using force or violence. However, the word thieve is used in the context of all kinds of thefts, even violent ones. Thieve often implies that such thieving is done habitually or as part of a criminal lifestyle. The related word thievery can mean the same thing as theft, but it typically refers to the practice of thieving—thieves lead a life of thieving and thievery. Thieve is sometimes followed by the thing that will be or has been stolen, as in I just realized my kids have been thieving the coins from the fountain. Thieve should not be confused with a form of the noun thief or its plural, thieves. Example: He is a pirate, a rogue—he thieves and plunders without remorse.

Other Word Forms

• outthieve verb (used with object)
• thievery noun
• thievingly adverb

Etymology

Origin of thieve

before 950; Old English thēofian, derivative of theōf thief (not recorded in ME)

Explanation

When someone steals something, they thieve. Your dog thieves when he puts his paws on the kitchen table and quietly grabs your cinnamon toast. You're more likely to encounter the adjective thieving than the verb thieve, but it's a perfectly good way to say "take illegally." Your brother might think it's perfectly acceptable to thieve a few gummy bears from the candy store where he works, although the store's owner might have a different opinion. At the root of thieve is the Old English þeof, or "thief."

Example Sentences

The Nats have led the majors in stolen bases all season, rejecting a trend: Never risk an out — and a chance to swing for the fences — to thieve one measly base.

From Washington Post • Aug. 27, 2019

The scouting report is out, and they start to thieve second like it’s a jewelry store with a salamander for a security guard.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 10, 2016

Four Women Simone’s interpretations of existing songs were so emphatic that other artists would often thieve her version rather than the original performer’s.

From The Guardian • Mar. 2, 2016

The motherbirds thieve the air To appease them.

From The New Yorker • Oct. 31, 2014

No one but Kunthi, coming stealthily by night to thieve from us what little we had, unashamed as she was and always had been.

From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya