steal
verb (used with object)
to take (the property of another or others) without permission or right, especially secretly or by force.
were stealing
-
past progressiveof steal.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Mr Staunton was dismissed last month, amid ongoing tensions around the Horizon IT scandal, in which hundreds of sub-postmasters were prosecuted after faults in the Horizon software made it look like they were stealing money.
From BBC ● Feb. 21, 2024
“People say Bettina became paranoid after the fire, that she became convinced people were stealing ideas from her,” he said.
From New York Times ● Jan. 26, 2024
The Marines suspected the Nationals were stealing pitch grips out of Woo’s hands as he can into the stretch.
From Seattle Times ● Jun. 28, 2023
“What we know now — for the first time — is that the Bar was receiving a constant drumbeat of complaints that Tom and his firm were stealing money for nearly 40 years,” Edelson said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 3, 2022
“But what was that. . . thing . . . you were stealing in the Timekeeper’s apartment?”
From "The Invention of Hugo Cabret" by Brian Selznick
