STEAL Meaning and
Definition
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steal (verb):
1. To take someone else's property or possession secretly and without permission or consent, often in a deceitful or dishonest manner. This act involves wrongfully acquiring or removing something that rightfully belongs to another individual or entity. It is commonly associated with theft, robbery, or larceny.
Example: The thief managed to steal a valuable painting from the art gallery without being detected by the security system.
2. To seize or appropriate someone else's ideas, work, or creations without giving proper credit or compensation. This type of stealing is often related to intellectual property infringement, such as plagiarism or copyright violation.
Example: The author accused her colleague of stealing her unique storyline and using it in his own published book.
3. To obtain or acquire something at a significantly reduced cost, without spending much or anything at all. It can refer to obtaining goods or services without paying their full value or obtaining them through illegal means.
Example: The shoplifter attempted to steal a new pair of shoes by hiding them in his jacket and leaving the store without paying.
4. To move quickly or silently in a sneaky or surreptitious manner. It can refer to physical movements accomplished with finesse and agility.
Example: The skilled thief managed to steal out of the house without making a sound, leaving no trace of his presence.
In general, stealing involves taking something from its rightful owner without permission or compensation. It encompasses various actions, including theft, misappropriation, plagiarism, or unauthorized acquisition.
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To take or carry away the property of another unlawfully; to pilfer; to gain or win by gradual and imperceptible means; to slip away unperceived.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for STEAL *
* 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 STEAL
Etymology of STEAL
The word "steal" has its origins in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "stelan", which meant "to commit theft" or "to take surreptitiously". The Old English word itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word "stelaną". The sense of the word has remained relatively consistent throughout its history, referring to the act of taking something unlawfully or without permission.
Idioms with the word STEAL
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steal the show/scene
The idiom "steal the show/scene" refers to someone or something attracting all the attention and becoming the highlight or focal point, especially in a performance or social setting. It means that the individual or object outshines others and becomes the main focus, often by delivering an outstanding or remarkable performance that captures the audience's attention.
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steal sb's thunder
The idiom "steal someone's thunder" means to take credit for someone else's idea, plan, or achievement, thereby overshadowing or diminishing their recognition or success. It can also refer to an action or event that lessens the impact or attention another person or thing was meant to receive.
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steal a march on sb
The idiom "steal a march on someone" means to gain an advantage over someone or to take action secretly or without their knowledge in order to get ahead or be in a better position. It implies being one step ahead or having a head start on a particular situation or competition.
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steal the limelight
The idiom "steal the limelight" refers to a situation where someone attracts attention or admiration for themselves, often unintentionally, overshadowing others who were expected to receive the attention or praise. It implies that someone takes the spotlight or dominant position in a situation, diverting the focus away from others who were originally meant to be in the center of attention.
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steal the show
The idiom "steal the show" means to attract the most attention or admiration during a performance, event, or group setting, often by outshining others and becoming the center of attention. It refers to someone or something that becomes the highlight or main focus, overshadowing others and garnering the most praise or acclaim.
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steal a base
The idiom "steal a base" refers to a baseball term where a baserunner attempts to advance to the next base without the ball being hit. In a broader sense, the idiom can also be used to describe someone achieving an advantage or gaining something without permission, often through cunning or stealth.
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steal out of sm place
The idiom "steal out of sm place," although not a widely used expression, typically means to exit or leave a location quietly, often without attracting attention or being noticed. It suggests a sneaky or secretive departure. The word "sm" is an abbreviation commonly used for "some."
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steal sb's heart
The idiom "steal someone's heart" is figurative expression that means to captivate, charm, or attract someone deeply, typically in a romantic or emotional sense. It suggests that someone has made such a strong positive impression on another person that they have won their affections or love.
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steal a march on sb/sth
To "steal a march on someone/something" means to gain an advantage or take action before others in order to achieve a particular goal or outcome. It suggests being sneaky or getting ahead by surprise. This idiom is derived from military tactics, where "marching" signifies progress or strategic movement.
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steal up on sm or sth
The idiom "steal up on someone or something" typically means to approach or advance upon someone or something in a secretive or sneaky manner, often without being noticed. It implies a quiet, gradual, or stealthy movement towards a target.
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steal over sm or sth
The idiom "steal over someone or something" is typically used when describing a gradual, unnoticed, or unexpected change that occurs. It implies a subtle, quiet, or sly action happening without drawing much attention. It can be used to describe various emotions, feelings, or even physical sensations that slowly and imperceptibly affect someone or something.
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steal from sm or sth
To "steal from someone or something" means to take or appropriate something that belongs to them without their knowledge or permission. It can refer to physical objects or abstract ideas, suggesting an act of dishonesty or unlawfulness.
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steal a march on sm or sth
The idiom "steal a march on someone or something" means to gain an advantage over someone or something by acting or progressing secretly or before them. It suggests the notion of seizing an opportunity or making progress in a manner that puts one ahead of others.
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steal a glance at sm or sth
The idiom "steal a glance at someone or something" means to quickly or discreetly look at someone or something when it is not expected or appropriate to do so.
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steal sth off sm
The idiom "steal sth off sm" refers to taking or acquiring something from someone without their permission or without them being aware of it. It implies a secretive or sneaky act of obtaining something from another person.
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steal sth from sm or sth
The idiom "steal something from someone or something" means to take or obtain something without permission or in a dishonest manner. It is often used metaphorically to imply that someone has copied or imitated someone else's ideas, work, or style without giving proper credit or acknowledgment.
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steal sm's thunder
The idiom "steal someone's thunder" means to take credit for or diminish the attention and recognition that someone else was about to receive for their idea, achievement, or announcement. It refers to the act of overshadowing or diverting another person's moment of glory or thunder, often causing them to lose the impact or recognition they would have otherwise received.
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steal sm's heart
The idiom "steal someone's heart" means to captivate or enchant someone, often in a romantic or emotionally compelling way. It implies that the person being referred to has become deeply infatuated or emotionally attached to another person.
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steal heart
The idiom "steal heart" typically refers to the act of captivating or winning someone's affection, usually in a charming or irresistible manner. It implies that someone has managed to gain the love, admiration, or affection of another person.
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steal someone's heart
The idiom "steal someone's heart" refers to capturing the affection, love, or admiration of another person in a manner that feels sudden, intense, or irresistible. It implies that the individual has won over the emotional and romantic interest of someone, often in a way that feels exciting and unexpected.
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steal a march on
The idiom "steal a march on" means to gain an advantage over someone or something by acting or progressing secretly or ahead of the competition. It refers to taking a covert or unexpected action to get ahead or accomplish something before others have a chance to do so.
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steal someone's thunder
The idiom "steal someone's thunder" means to take credit for someone else's idea, invention, or achievement, typically by doing or saying something before they have a chance to do it, thereby diminishing their impact or recognition.
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steal thunder
The idiom "steal thunder" refers to taking someone's idea, attention, or credit by preempting or overshadowing their achievements or plans. It is associated with undermining or diverting the impact of someone else's actions in order to gain recognition or advantage for oneself.
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steal a march (on somebody)
The idiom "steal a march (on somebody)" means to gain an advantage or get ahead of someone by acting secretly or getting a head start on a particular situation or event. It implies taking advantage of an opportunity to be ahead of others without their knowledge or expectation.
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steal a glance/look (at somebody/something)
The idiom "steal a glance/look (at somebody/something)" refers to quickly and discreetly looking at someone or something, often unintentionally or surreptitiously. It implies taking a furtive or covert glimpse, typically when one does not want to be noticed or caught.
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steal somebody’s heart
The idiom "steal somebody’s heart" is used to describe the act of captivating or winning someone's affection or love unexpectedly or effortlessly.
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steal a kiss (from somebody)
The idiom "steal a kiss (from somebody)" refers to the act of unexpectedly or surreptitiously kissing someone without their prior consent or knowledge. It implies a spontaneous and often romantic gesture, where the kisser takes the initiative to steal a moment of intimacy.
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steal somebody’s thunder
The idiom "steal somebody's thunder" means to take credit for someone else's ideas, achievements, or plans. It refers to the act of appropriating or overshadowing someone else's success or spotlight in a certain situation without their consent or prior knowledge.
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be a steal
The idiom "be a steal" means that something is being sold at a very low price or for a great bargain. It implies that the item is available for such a low cost that it feels like a steal or a gift.
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steal (one's) heart
The idiom "steal one's heart" refers to the act of capturing someone's affections or causing them to fall deeply in love or become emotionally attached to another person or thing. It implies that the person or thing being referred to has a powerful and irresistible charm or appeal that makes the other person willingly give their affection and love.
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steal somebody's heart
The idiom "steal somebody's heart" means to captivate or win someone's affection, usually in a very charming or irresistible manner.
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steal a kiss
The idiom "steal a kiss" refers to the act of unexpectedly and often playfully kissing someone without their prior knowledge or consent. It conveys the idea of an impulsive or sneaky action to express affection or attraction.
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steal away (from sm or sth)
The idiom "steal away (from someone or something)" means to leave or escape from someone or something quietly or secretly, often in order to avoid being noticed or to have some private time. It can also refer to sneaking away from a place or situation without attracting attention.
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mean enough to steal a penny off a dead man's eyes
The idiom "mean enough to steal a penny off a dead man's eyes" is used to describe someone who is extremely greedy, dishonest, and lacking in moral principles. It implies that the person is not only willing to take advantage of others but is also willing to stoop to the lowest level of despicability, such as stealing from a deceased person.
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steal away
The idiom "steal away" typically means to leave discreetly or secretly without being noticed or detected. It conveys the idea of a quiet or sneaky departure.
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beg, borrow, or steal
The idiom "beg, borrow, or steal" means to do absolutely whatever it takes to acquire or obtain something, often emphasizing resourcefulness or desperation. It suggests that one is willing to use any means necessary, whether ethical or not, to achieve a desired goal.
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steal someone blind
The idiom "steal someone blind" means to dishonestly and repeatedly take advantage of someone by cheating, deceiving, or pilfering from them, often in a way that they are unable to notice or prevent it.
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steal a glance (at someone or something)
The idiom "steal a glance (at someone or something)" means to take a quick, furtive, or surreptitious look at someone or something, often with the intention of not being noticed. It implies looking briefly or secretly, as if to avoid attracting attention or being caught in the act of observing.
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steal the spotlight
The idiom "steal the spotlight" is used to describe someone who attracts attention or receives a significant amount of praise or recognition, often outshining others in a particular situation or event. This person captures the focus or interest of others and becomes the main attraction or center of attention.
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steal someone's clothes
The idiom "steal someone's clothes" typically means to imitate or copy someone's style, mannerisms, or ideas in an attempt to portray oneself in a similar favorable light. It can also imply gaining an advantage or benefit by appropriating someone else's achievements or work.
Similar spelling words for STEAL
- stile,
- stall,
- steely,
- stella,
- stela,
- stale,
- still,
- Stull,
- stahley,
- Stell,
- stele,
- Stelle,
- stehle,
- stilley,
- stool,
- stahl,
- Stahly,
- stole,
- steel,
- stelly,
- steil,
- steele,
- stille,
- stael,
- staley,
- stohl,
- style,
- stilly,
- stoolie,
- stoll,
- stolle.
Conjugate verb Steal
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have stolen
you
would have stolen
he/she/it
would have stolen
we
would have stolen
they
would have stolen
I
would have steal
you
would have steal
he/she/it
would have steal
we
would have steal
they
would have steal
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been stealing
you
would have been stealing
he/she/it
would have been stealing
we
would have been stealing
they
would have been stealing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would steal
you
would steal
he/she/it
would steal
we
would steal
they
would steal
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be stealing
you
would be stealing
he/she/it
would be stealing
we
would be stealing
they
would be stealing
FUTURE
I
will steal
you
will steal
he/she/it
will steal
we
will steal
they
will steal
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be stealing
you
will be stealing
he/she/it
will be stealing
we
will be stealing
they
will be stealing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have stolen
you
will have stolen
he/she/it
will have stolen
we
will have stolen
they
will have stolen
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been stealing
you
will have been stealing
he/she/it
will have been stealing
we
will have been stealing
they
will have been stealing
IMPERATIVE
you
steal
we
let´s steal
to steal
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was stealing
you
were stealing
he/she/it
was stealing
we
were stealing
they
were stealing
PAST PARTICIPLE
stolen
PAST PERFECT
I
had stolen
you
had stolen
he/she/it
had stolen
we
had stolen
they
had stolen
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been stealing
you
had been stealing
he/she/it
had been stealing
we
had been stealing
they
had been stealing
PRESENT
I
steal
you
steal
he/she/it
steals
we
steal
they
steal
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am stealing
you
are stealing
he/she/it
is stealing
we
are stealing
they
are stealing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
stealing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have stolen
you
have stolen
he/she/it
has stolen
we
have stolen
they
have stolen
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been stealing
you
have been stealing
he/she/it
has been stealing
we
have been stealing
they
have been stealing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
steal
SIMPLE PAST
I
stole
you
stole
he/she/it
stole
we
stole
they
stole
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