robbery

noun

rob·​bery ˈrä-b(ə-)rē 

plural robberies

: the act or practice of robbing

specifically : larceny from the person or presence of another by violence or threat

Synonyms

• larceny
• stealing
• theft
• thievery

Examples of robbery in a Sentence

a series of armed robberies

They foiled a bank robbery.

He is charged with attempted robbery.

She was arrested for robbery.

Recent Examples on the Web

At the time of the robbery, the Wales family was reportedly sleeping at home. —Janine Henni, People.com, 25 Nov. 2024

The Wild had a few great chances in overtime, and Filip Gustavsson helped get the game to a shootout with a sliding robbery on Yegor Sharangovich. —Michael Russo, The Athletic, 23 Nov. 2024

Syed’s legal saga traces to 2000 when a Baltimore jury found Syed guilty of murder, kidnapping, robbery and related charges in the death of Lee, his high school sweetheart. —Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 22 Nov. 2024

According to the complaint, Dean, Jeans, Patterson and Rogers monitored the robbery nearby in the Chevrolet. —Chris Ramirez, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing robbery

• armed robbery
• highway robbery

Kids Definition

robbery

noun

rob·​bery ˈräb-(ə-)rē 

plural robberies

: the act, practice, or an instance of robbing

Legal Definition

robbery

noun

rob·​bery

plural robberies

: the unlawful taking away of personal property from a person by violence or by threat of violence that causes fear : larceny from the person or immediate presence of another by violence or threat of violence and with intent to steal

— aggravated robbery

: robbery committed with aggravating factors (as use of a weapon, infliction of bodily injury, or use of an accomplice)

— armed robbery

: robbery committed by a person armed with a dangerous or deadly weapon

— simple robbery

: robbery that does not involve any aggravating factors

Etymology

Anglo-French robberie, roberie, from Old French, from rober to take something away from a person by force