WordGarden.iorobber
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /rˈɒbə/
US
- /ˈrɑbər/
Meanings
Noun
a person who steals money or property by force or threat
Beyond the definition
A robber is not just someone who steals something. This person takes money or other things by using force or by making people afraid. Think of a bank robbery in a movie or someone stopping a person on the street and demanding a wallet. A thief may act quietly and try not to be seen, but a robber usually involves direct danger. You would not normally use this word for someone who secretly shoplifts, because robbery has a stronger sense of threat and confrontation.
The word "robber" describes a person who steals from someone or from a place by using force, violence, or threats. It is more than simply taking something unlawfully. Robbery includes direct danger, because the act usually involves confrontation and fear. While "theft" is a broad term for unlawful taking, "robbery" has the more specific meaning of taking by force or intimidation.
Historically, the word entered English through Old French, with roots meaning "to plunder" or "to take by force." That forceful part is the key idea that separates a robber from other kinds of criminals. A pickpocket is a thief because they depend on stealth, but not a robber because they do not usually threaten the victim. In the same way, someone who secretly embezzles money is committing fraud, not robbery.
You will often see "robber" in news reports about crime: "Police are searching for the armed robber who held up the convenience store." It can also be used in a metaphorical way for something that takes away your time, strength, or happiness, though this is less common. For example, someone might say, "Time is a robber of youth."
So, when you hear the word "robber," think beyond simple stealing—it is about taking by force and creating fear in the process. It is a serious crime with significant legal consequences.
Examples
- 1
Bank crime
The bank robber was arrested two days later.
- 2
Store robbery
A masked robber ran out of the store with the cash.
- 3
Police investigation
Police think the same robber targeted several small shops in the area.
- 4
Old movie
The old movie is about a train robber escaping across the desert.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Armed robbery
The cashier stayed calm even when the armed robber started shouting.
- Phrasearmed robber
a robber carrying a weapon
See also
Forms and spellings
2 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- robbernoun
Forms
- robberspluralnoun