pilfer
PIL-fer
/ˈpɪlfər/
To steal things of little value or in small amounts, often repeatedly.
Pilfering suggests a series of small thefts over time, like an employee taking a few pens every day, rather than one big robbery.
The story behind the word. From the Old French 'pelfrer', meaning to pillage or rob. It is related to the word 'pelf', which was a derogatory term for ill-gotten gains or trash.
Word relationships
- filch: To steal something of small value in a casual way.
- purloin: A more formal and sneaky way to say steal.
- purchase: To acquire something by paying for it.
Commonly confused with
- purloin: Pilfer is for cheap things; purloin is for anything, but emphasizes the sneakiness.
Word family
- pilferer (noun): A person who pilfers.
- pilferage (noun): The act or practice of pilfering.
Collocations
- pilfer supplies
- pilfer from the till
- pilfer small items
Example sentences
- "Management warned that anyone caught trying to pilfer office supplies would face disciplinary action." Workplace Policy
- "The hungry street urchins would pilfer apples from the market stalls whenever the vendors looked away." Historical Fiction
Memory hook
Pilfering 'pills' or 'fur' scraps—tiny things. Stealing small, cheap things.
When not to use
Do not use pilfer for high-value items or a one-time major theft.
Fun facts
- 'Pilferage' is a common term in the shipping industry for the theft of small parts of a cargo.
- In the 18th century, pilfering from the Royal Dockyards was so common it was almost considered a job perk.
Related words
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