shoplift
gb/ʃˈɑplˌɪft/ us/ʃˈɑplˌɪft/
B2
English
Senses
0 senses
Verb
B2
action
1
steal goods from a store
To take something from a store without paying for it.
Usage pattern:
shoplift [something] (from [place]); shoplift (from [place])
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse it with general 'steal'; 'shoplift' is specifically stealing from a shop or store.
Synonyms
steal (More general; not limited to shops.)
|
pilfer (Often suggests stealing small amounts or items.)
|
swipe (Informal; suggests taking quickly or casually.)
Antonyms
pay for (Give money for an item instead of taking it illegally.)
|
purchase (Buy an item legally.)
Collocations
shoplift cosmetics
|shoplift clothing
|shoplift alcohol
|shoplift electronics
|shoplift small items
|shoplift goods
|shoplift from a supermarket
|get caught shoplifting
|be accused of shoplifting
|shoplift to support a habit
Themes
crime
|shopping
|law
|daily_life
Examples
- He was arrested after trying to shoplift a jacket from the department store.
- The security guard saw her shoplift two bottles of perfume.
- Some teenagers were caught shoplifting at the mall.
Learner examples
- Do not shoplift in this store.
- She tried to shoplift a snack.
Grammar
Dictionary form
shoplift
IPA
GB/ʃˈɑplˌɪft/
US/ʃˈɑplˌɪft/
Syllables & stress
shoplift (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (shoplift)
Word forms
Verb
- Base: shoplift
- 3rd Person Singular: shoplifts
- Present Participle: shoplifting
- Past: shoplifted
Expressions
No expressions linked to this entry yet.