THIEVES Meaning and
Definition
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Thieves are individuals who engage in the act of stealing or taking possession of another person's property without their consent or permission. They are commonly referred to as criminals due to their illicit activities and violation of the law. Thievery is generally considered a morally wrongful act and is punishable by law in most societies.
Thieves employ various means and methods to carry out their unlawful acts. These can include burglary, where they break into a building or residence to steal valuable items, as well as pickpocketing, which involves discreetly stealing from a person's pocket or bag. Thieves may also resort to shoplifting, which involves stealing merchandise from a store without paying for it.
The motives behind thievery can vary, with some thieves driven by financial gain or desperation, while others may steal for personal enjoyment or thrill-seeking purposes. Regardless of the reasons, thieves typically exploit opportunities and vulnerabilities to commit their crimes, often targeting individuals or properties with minimal security or vigilance.
The consequences of thievery can be profound and detrimental. Victims may suffer emotional distress, financial loss, and a sense of violation due to the theft. Over time, societies have developed systems to deter and prevent thievery, including law enforcement agencies, security measures, and legal punishments to discourage such behavior.
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One who takes away the property of another privately without leave, or by violence; one who steals.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for THIEVES *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for THIEVES
Etymology of THIEVES
The word "thieves" derives from the Old English word "theofas", which is the plural of "theof". "Theof" itself comes from the Proto-Germanic root "*theubaz", meaning "servant" or "slave". Over time, the word evolved and specifically referred to someone who stole or committed theft, eventually becoming "thieves" in modern English.
Idioms with the word THIEVES
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be (as) thick as thieves
The idiom "be (as) thick as thieves" means to be very close or friendly with someone, often implying a secretive or conspiratorial relationship. It suggests a strong bond characterized by trust, confidentiality, and shared interests, similar to the camaraderie between accomplices in a criminal act (thieves).
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thick as thieves
The idiom "thick as thieves" means to have a very close and strong relationship or friendship, often implying that the individuals involved are involved in mischievous or secretive activities together.
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There is honor among thieves.
The idiom "There is honor among thieves" means that even dishonest or criminal individuals may adhere to a code of conduct or loyalty towards each other, exhibiting a sense of honor or loyalty within their own group or community, despite their illegal activities or unethical behavior.
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Little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape
The idiom "Little thieves are hanged, but great ones escape" expresses the idea that small or insignificant criminals are often caught and punished, while more influential or powerful wrongdoers are able to avoid justice or punishment. It suggests that the legal system tends to focus more on lesser crimes committed by common people than on bigger crimes committed by those in positions of power or wealth.
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honour among thieves
The idiom "honour among thieves" means that even among those who engage in dishonest or illegal activities, there exists a code or understanding that demands loyalty, trust, and a certain level of ethical behavior. It suggests that even criminals have a sense of honor and rules that they abide by within their own community, regardless of their unlawful actions.
Conjugate verb Thieves
CONDITIONAL
I
would thieve
we
would thieve
you
would thieve
he/she/it
would thieve
they
would thieve
FUTURE
I
will thieve
we
will thieve
you
will thieve
he/she/it
will thieve
they
will thieve
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have thieved
we
will have thieved
you
will have thieved
he/she/it
will have thieved
they
will have thieved
PAST
I
thieved
we
thieved
you
thieved
he/she/it
thieved
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thieved
PAST PERFECT
I
had thieved
we
had thieved
you
had thieved
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had thieved
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had thieved
PRESENT
I
thieve
we
thieve
you
thieve
he/she/it
thieves
they
thieve
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have thieved
we
have thieved
you
have thieved
he/she/it
has thieved
they
have thieved
I
am thieving
we
are thieving
you
are thieving
he/she/it
is thieving
they
are thieving
I
was thieving
we
were thieving
you
were thieving
he/she/it
was thieving
they
were thieving
I
will be thieving
we
will be thieving
you
will be thieving
he/she/it
will be thieving
they
will be thieving
I
have been thieving
we
have been thieving
you
have been thieving
he/she/it
has been thieving
they
have been thieving
I
had been thieving
we
had been thieving
you
had been thieving
he/she/it
had been thieving
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had been thieving
I
will have been thieving
we
will have been thieving
you
will have been thieving
he/she/it
will have been thieving
they
will have been thieving
I
would have thieved
we
would have thieved
you
would have thieved
he/she/it
would have thieved
they
would have thieved
I
would be thieving
we
would be thieving
you
would be thieving
he/she/it
would be thieving
they
would be thieving
I
would have been thieving
we
would have been thieving
you
would have been thieving
he/she/it
would have been thieving
they
would have been thieving
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