pilfer Hear it!

pilfer Definition

pil·fer (pilfər)

transitive verb, intransitive verb

to steal (esp. small sums or petty objects); filch

Etymology: < MFr pelfrer < pelfre, booty

pilfer Related Forms
pil·ferer noun
pilfer Synonyms

pilfer

v.

rob, embezzle, appropriate; see steal.

pilfer Usage Examples

Object

  • information: He could use his own password to connect from outside of the building and pilfer information or perhaps funds.
  • ball: Nathan McGarry continued his impressive form as he roamed looking to pilfer ball and turn defense to attack.
  • family: Inheritance tax hits hardworking middle-income earners the hardest, pilfering an asset families have spent their lives working for.
  • good: Emptied his bucket of most of his charm so he can fill it with pilfered goods.
  • cash: They didn't know he'd been to the religious leaders or that he'd pilfered the petty cash.
  • object: While Dimples entertains at the home of society matron Mrs. Caroline Drew ( Helen Westley ), Appleby pilfers several valuable objects.

Modifying Another Word

  • again: Yes, by once again pilfering Western media coverage.

Browse dictionary entries near pilfer

  1. pilewort
  2. pileus
  3. pileup
  4. pileum
  5. piles
  6. pileous
  7. piled
  8. pileated woodpecker
  9. pileate
  10. pile
  1. pilferage
  2. pilgarlic
  3. pilgrim
  4. Pilgrim Fathers
  5. Pilgrim's Progress
  6. pilgrimage
  7. pili
  8. pili-
  9. piliferous
  10. piliform