Pronunciation: [ɹˈɒb bˈaŋk] (IPA) 
The spelling of "rob bank" is straightforward, and follows typical English spelling rules. "Rob" is spelled with an "o" and a "b", while "bank" is spelled with a "b", an "a", an "n", and a "k". In IPA phonetic transcription, the word would be transcribed as /rɑb bæŋk/, with stress on the first syllable of "rob". The meaning of the phrase is clear: to commit theft by taking money from a financial institution.
"Rob bank" is a phrase commonly used to describe an illegal act of stealing money or valuable assets from a financial institution by means of force, coercion, or deception. Primarily, it refers to the act of unlawfully taking possession of funds belonging to a bank with the intention of personal gain.
Robbery itself is classified as a serious criminal offense in jurisdictions around the world. When the target is a bank, the circumstances often involve a carefully planned and executed heist, typically involving multiple individuals who act in a coordinated and organized manner. Robbing a bank requires individuals to breach its security measures, such as breaking into vaults, disabling alarm systems, or overpowering bank staff or security guards. Weapons may sometimes be utilized to instill fear or gain control over the situation.
The objective of robbing a bank is to acquire cash, typically in large amounts, although robbers may also have an interest in securing valuables from safety deposit boxes or other storage units within the bank. Such criminal activities cause significant financial loss to the targeted institution, and furthermore, pose risks to the safety and well-being of bank employees and customers who may be present during the robbery.
Given the illegal and dangerous nature of bank robbery, it is important to emphasize that this act is strictly prohibited by law and constitutes a severe criminal offense. The perpetrators involved in robbing a bank are subjected to legal prosecution and, if caught, are likely to face imprisonment and other penalties as determined by the legal system.
The phrase "rob bank" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words.
The word "rob" can be traced back to Middle English, derived from the Old French word "rober" which means "to steal". It eventually evolved from the Old High German word "rauben", meaning "to snatch or plunder".
The word "bank" originates from the Italian word "banco", which originally referred to a bench or counter used by moneychangers. Over time, it came to represent the financial institutions that provide various services, including holding deposits and lending money.
Therefore, when combined, "rob bank" simply refers to the act of stealing from a bank, without a specific etymology for the phrase itself.
