pilfer

Pilfer is a verb that describes the act of stealing something, especially in a petty or surreptitious manner. It often implies taking small items or amounts repeatedly without drawing attention. The term can be used in both literal and figurative contexts.

In a literal sense, pilfering refers to the physical act of taking items that do not belong to one. This could include shoplifting small objects, taking office supplies without permission, or snatching minor valuables. The emphasis is on the smallness of the theft and the stealth involved.

Figuratively, pilfer can be used to describe the gradual or subtle appropriation of something intangible. For example, one might say that a competitor is "pilfering ideas" from another company, suggesting a slow and perhaps unacknowledged adoption of concepts. Similarly, time can be pilfered, meaning it is wasted or taken away without explicit consent or awareness. The term carries a negative connotation, indicating a dishonest or unethical action.