Dictionary
rob
verb \ˈräb\
: to take money or property from (a person or a place) illegally and sometimes by using force, violence, or threats
: to keep (someone) from getting something expected or wanted
robbedrob·bing
Full Definition of ROB
transitive verb
1
a (1) : to take something away from by force : steal from (2) : to take personal property from by violence or threat b (1) : to remove valuables without right from (a place) (2) : to take the contents of (a receptacle) c : to take away as loot : steal <rob jewelry>
2
a : to deprive of something due, expected, or desired b : to withhold unjustly or injuriously
intransitive verb
: to commit robbery
— rob·ber noun
See rob defined for English-language learners
See rob defined for kids
Usage Discussion of ROB
Sense vt 1c, in which the direct object is the thing stolen, is sometimes considered to be wrong, or perhaps archaic. The sense has been in use since the 13th century and is found in earlier literature <contrive to rob the honey and subvert the hive — John Dryden>. It is still in use though not as common as other senses <then robbed $100 after the clerk fled — Springfield (Massachusetts) Morning Union>.
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Origin of ROB
Middle English robben, from Anglo-French rober, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German roubōn to rob — more at reave
First Known Use: 13th century
Related to ROB
- Synonyms
- burglarize, burgle, knock off, knock over, rip off, steal (from), take off [slang]
ROB Defined for Kids
rob
verb \ˈräb\
robbedrob·bing
Definition of ROB for Kids
1
: to unlawfully take something away from a person or place in secrecy or by force, threat, or trickery
2
: to keep from getting something due, expected, or desired <The noisy party robbed her of sleep.>
— rob·ber noun
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