Thief meaning in English

Learn how to use Thief correctly with Gymglish.
Test and improve your English. Start your free trial today.

TEST YOUR ENGLISH Free trial and no commitment to buy
4,7 on App Store, Play Store and Trustpilot More than 8 million learners worldwide

Definition

a thief: a robber, a burglar, a person who steals noun
Note that the plural form of "thief" is thieves.

UK: Stop, thief!
US: Thieves stole my friend's wallet in London.
Exercise 1
"Are you sick of burglars entering your home?"

This question could be rephrased "".
A "burglar" is a .
"Are you sick of burglars entering your home?"

This question could be rephrased "Are you fed up with burglars entering your home? 1".
A "burglar" is a thief 2.
1 Are you fed up with burglars entering your home?: To be "sick of" something is to be "tired of" or "annoyed by" it. This expression shares a similar meaning with "to be fed up with something". Example: I was fed up with the noises coming from my neighbor's apartment. Both expressions indicate frustration or lack of patience for a certain situation, person or object.
1 Are you ill due to burglars entering your home?: If a person is sick, they are physically ill, however "to be sick of something" is to be frustrated with it.
1 Are you scared of burglars entering your home?: To be scared is to be "afraid". This isn't what is being expressed by the idiom "to be sick of something", which indicates frustration or lack of patience or tolerance.
1 Are you unprepared for burglars entering your home?: To be "unprepared for something" is to be unready for it, or not to expect it. This isn't what is being expressed by the idiom "to be sick of something", which indicates frustration or lack of patience or tolerance.
2 thief: A "burglar" is a person who enters a place for the purpose of stealing money or property. Example: The burglars stole 10,000 euros from the bank during the night. A "burglar" is a thief, though we use the term "burglar" to refer to someone who enters buildings and homes in order to steal. "Thief" is a more general term. Note: The plural of "thief" is "thieves".
2 fugitive: A "fugitive" is someone wanted by the police or other authorities, for committing a crime. Although "fugitives" and "burglars" are criminals, the term "burglar" refers to a thief.
2 murderer: A "murderer" is a person who has killed another person. Example: The murderer was punished with life imprisonment. A "murderer" is not a "burglar".
2 liar: A "liar" is someone who does not tell the truth. Example: My friend is a compulsive liar and often tells people he is the king of Sweden. A "liar" is not a "burglar".
Exercise 2
Fill in the blanks with terms used on the Good Day USA CD!

This noun means breaking into a building with the intent to steal:

"After the , the police searched the house for fingerprints".

This refers to the people who steal: "The came in through the back window. I think I forgot to lock it".

Fill in the blanks with terms used on the Good Day USA CD!

This noun means breaking into a building with the intent to steal:

"After the burglary 1, the police searched the house for fingerprints".

This refers to the people who steal: "The thieves 2 came in through the back window. I think I forgot to lock it".
1 burglary: This is the right answer. A more formal term used by police is "breaking and entering" other synonyms are "robbery" and "theft". Note that "burglaries" happen in houses or other buildings, whereas "robberies" and "thefts" can happen almost anywhere.
2 thieves: This is correct. Synonyms include "robbers". Another useful term is "pickpockets" - people who steal directly from your pocket or bag. Remember that the singular of thieves is "thief"!
Exercise 3
"It's the new anti-theft "app" that I downloaded this morning."

This means that Philip's phone has an "app" (or application) which .

A thief is someone who .
"It's the new anti-theft "app" that I downloaded this morning."

This means that Philip's phone has an "app" (or application) which prevents someone from stealing it 1.

A thief is someone who steals 2.
1 prevents someone from stealing it: This is the correct answer. A car with an "anti-theft (device)" contains an instrument or object which prevents someone from stealing it. Philip's phone has an application that stops someone from stealing it. "Theft" describes the act of stealing or "larceny".
1 protects it from breaking: This is incorrect. "Anti-theft" does not describe a measure against breakage, the term "anti-shock" would be used instead.
1 protects against viruses: This is incorrect. "Anti-theft" does not describe a measure against viruses, the term "virus protection" or "anti-virus" would be used instead.
1 blocks unwanted calls and emails: This is incorrect. "Anti-theft" does not describe something that blocks unwanted phone calls and emails.
2 steals: This is the correct answer. A "thief" is someone who steals or takes things unlawfully (or without permission). "Thief" rhymes with "leaf". Note: The plural of "thief" is "thieves".
2 breaks things: This answer is incorrect. Someone who breaks things regularly might be called "clumsy".
2 protects: This answer is incorrect. The term "protector" would best describe someone who protects things.
2 has fat fingers: Sorry, you selected incorrectly. Or maybe you selected this choice by accident because of your fat fingers? People with fat fingers have real problems when typing something on a keyboard or holding small cups of coffee.

Still unsure of the best way to use 'Thief'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!

What our users say:

Pleasure

         

I enjoy doing my online English lessons. Only ten minutes daily are enough...Thank you!

Innovative

         

I love your innovative method which allows me to learn a new language and have fun at the same time!

Unique

         

Your method is unique! Your courses have helped me to progress and gain confidence during my travels.

Progress

         

Gymglish has allowed me to improve my English. A daily routine I wouldn't miss for anything in the world!

More testimonials.

Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment

Absolutely free - no strings attached.