Meaning of the word steal in English

What does steal mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

steal

US /stiːl/

UK /stiːl/

take (another person's property) without permission or legal right and without intending to return it

Example:

•

He tried to steal a car.

•

Someone stole my wallet.

Synonym:

pilfer purloin shoplift embezzle burgle

move silently or furtively

Example:

•

He tried to steal out of the room unnoticed.

•

The cat stole silently through the grass.

Synonym:

sneak creep slip slide glide

an act of stealing

Example:

•

The police are investigating a recent car steal.

•

It was a daring steal from the museum.

Synonym:

theft robbery burglary heist larceny