Steal

Steal is a verb meaning to take someone else’s property without permission and with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of it. In everyday language it is used to describe acts of theft, but it can also refer to the broader idea of taking something that belongs to another without consent. The word has ancient roots in Germanic languages and is related to Dutch stelen and German stehlen.

In legal contexts, theft is the unlawful taking of someone else’s property with intent to deprive them permanently. Jurisdictions distinguish theft from related offenses such as robbery (theft accomplished with force or intimidation), burglary (unlawful entry with intent to commit theft), embezzlement (misappropriation by someone in a position of trust), and receiving stolen property. Some places separately categorize larceny as a form of theft based on common-law principles. Cyber theft covers the unauthorized taking of digital assets, data, or financial information.

Common elements used to prove theft include (1) a taking or control of property, (2) the property belongs to another, (3) absence of the owner’s consent, and (4) intent to permanently deprive. Some jurisdictions also require asportation (carrying away) and may set thresholds based on the value of the property, leading to distinctions such as petty theft and grand theft.

Penalties vary by jurisdiction and value, ranging from fines and restitution to imprisonment. Civil liability for damages may also apply. Preventive measures—security systems, surveillance, and proper handling of property—reduce theft risk. The term also appears in figurative uses, such as “steal the show” or “steal someone’s time,” reflecting its broader cultural meaning beyond crime.