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

Under new Maryland juvenile justice laws, crimes of violence, including robberies and carjackings, should automatically be forwarded to state’s attorney’s offices. —Keith Daniels, Baltimore Sun, 7 Feb. 2025

Colbert was first arrested in New Orleans in 2012 and was charged with robbery, according to Orleans Parish court records. —Ben Brachfeld, People.com, 7 Feb. 2025

The robbery occurred about 7:15 p.m. when a man with a pistol took about $60 from Richard Caldwell, 22, the 7-Eleven clerk. —The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, arkansasonline.com, 5 Feb. 2025

According to police sources, Shaw served more than five years in prison for robbery and assault in a Brooklyn incident and was released on parole in August, plus has additional prior arrests for assault, robbery and criminal mischief. —Elizabeth Keogh, New York Daily News, 4 Feb. 2025

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