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Intermediate Dictionary
       

rob

 
 
pronunciation:
rab
features:
Note, Word Builder, Word Explorer
part of speech: verb
inflections: robs, robbing, robbed
definition 1: to steal from by using force or threats.
A thief broke into his house and robbed him.
synonyms:
rip off
similar words:
mug
definition 2: to take something away from (someone) unfairly or harmfully.
Rain robbed her of a day at the beach.
antonyms:
enrich
similar words:
deprive
derivation: robber (n.)
rob or steal?
Both rob and steal have to do with taking something in a way that is against the law. Rob emphasizes the person or place from which something is taken. Steal emphasizes the thing that was taken. You rob someone of something, but you steal something from someone.
Compare:
  • Someone robbed the store! They stole all the money!
  • Someone robbed John of his wallet. John was robbed.
  • Someone stole a wallet from John. The wallet was stolen.
Word Builder: rob +
  • robber:
    a person who robs.
  • robbery:
    the crime of robbing.
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  bank, crime