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Shoplifting Meaning in English

word · lemma: shoplift

/ˈʃɑˌpɫɪftɪŋ/
SHAWP-lif-ting
/ʃˈɒplɪftɪŋ/
SHOP-lif-ting

Definition

The act of stealing items from a store without paying for them.

Usage & Nuances

"Shoplifting" is a formal and legal term. It describes theft from a retail store by secretly taking items. Often used in police, news, and legal contexts, not for violence or robbery with force. Common collocations: "shoplifting charge", "shoplifting suspect", "arrested for shoplifting".

Example Sentences

He was caught shoplifting at the mall.

basic

Shoplifting is against the law.

basic

The store owner installed cameras to prevent shoplifting.

basic

The police questioned her after a shoplifting incident.

natural

Teenagers sometimes try shoplifting as a dare, but it can have serious consequences.

natural

The store has a zero-tolerance policy for shoplifting.

natural