noun

theft

theft, stealing

He was accused of theft.

He was accused of theft.

Car theft is a common crime.

Car theft is a common crime.

((theft)) ((of sth.)) the act of stealing (sth.) The theft of the painting was shocking.

Synonyms: stealing, larceny, robbery, burglary

From Old English *þīefþ*, related to 'thief'. The '-t' or '-th' suffix often forms abstract nouns.

Think of the person, a 'thief', and the action they perform, 'theft'. The words are very closely related.

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