Purloin

/pɜːˈlɔɪn/ · verb

Meaning

(transitive, usually formal or humorous) To take the property of another, often in breach of trust; to appropriate wrongfully; to steal..

Definitions by Sense

1. (transitive, usually formal or humorous) To take the property of another, often in breach of trust; to appropriate wrongfully; to steal.
2. (intransitive) To commit theft; to thieve.

Example Sentences

Had from his wakeful custody purloined / The guarded gold.

Probably my acquaintance, Mr Blank, therefore, would have been able, if he had so wished to do, to purloin the papers which he mentioned.

The refreshment room was full of chatter and babble, which attracted everybody's envious glances. Some one had left his set in the middle of the dance, purloined a sandwich from the buffet, and was now chewing away proudly as he swerved and stamped, to the amusement of the rest.

Or was this simply another item Mr. Stink had purloined during his career as a gentleman thief?

The Apostle expressly forbiddeth servants to purloin (Titus 2:10).

Synonyms for purloin

Antonyms for purloin

Related Words

Word Forms

• purloins
• purloining
• purloined

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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