purloin

C2 Topic:Actions & Processes

US /pɚˈlɔɪn/ UK /pəˈlɔɪn/ See IPA manual

Freq #110179

Meanings

1

verb
formal or humorous: to steal or wrongfully take something, often secretly or in breach of trust

Someone purloined a loaf of bread from the kitchen window.

Verb forms

Verb forms are not available for this word yet.

Thesaurus

Synonyms

1 verb · formal or humorous: to... steal pilfer filch appropriate pocket

Opposites

return restore

Word family

Forms purloined

Derived forms purloinerpurloinmentunpurloined

Related forms theft larcenypilferageembezzlement

Etymology

From Middle English purloinen, 'to remove,' borrowed from Anglo-Norman purloigner and Old French porloignier, 'to put far away.' The French form combined an intensifying prefix with loing, 'far.' The sense shifted from removing or concealing something to taking it dishonestly; prolong is a doublet.

Topics

Actions & Processes Register & Style

External links

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