Pilfering
/ˈpɪlfərɪŋ/
nounverbB2present participle
Definition
Pilfering is the act of taking small amounts of something without permission, often repeatedly and secretly. It usually refers to stealing small or unimportant items rather than large or valuable things.
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See It in Action
The action of stealing small things, often repeatedly
- •The employee was caught pilfering office supplies like pens and paper.
- •Pilfering food from the kitchen can cause problems in shared homes.
- •Security cameras help stop pilfering in stores.
(Verb form) The act of secretly taking small items
- •He was pilfering coins from the cash register little by little.
- •Pilfering from coworkers can damage trust in the workplace.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "pilfering" like "stealing," but only small or little things, not big or valuable items
- ✓Picture someone quietly taking a few candies from a jar without anyone seeing
- ✓It's the nervous feeling when you realize something small is missing but you don't want to accuse anyone loudly
- ✓Sounds like "pill-furring" → imagine someone filling a small pill bottle slowly and secretly with tiny things
- ✓Think of a story where a character sneaks small items from a shop bit by bit, not a big robbery
- ✓NOT like "rob" (which is stealing big things or with force), pilfering is small and quiet
- ✓NOT like "shoplifting" (usually in stores), pilfering can happen anywhere, often at work or home
- ✓NOT like "theft" (general stealing), pilfering is a type of theft focusing on small, repeated stealing
Try Other Words
- •Steal: take something without permission (Use when the size or importance of the item is not small or when general stealing is meant)
- •Snatch: take quickly and suddenly (Use when the action is fast, not secret or repeated)
- •Shoplift: steal from a store (Use specifically for stealing goods from shops)
- •Filch: steal small things secretly (Very close in meaning, often interchangeable with pilfer)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "pilfer" (root meaning to steal small things) + "-ing" (present participle suffix showing ongoing action)
- •Etymology: From Old French "pelfrer," meaning to steal small things or loot
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century to describe small thefts or petty stealing
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to describe minor thefts, especially in workplaces or shops, often repeated and secretive
Reflect & Connect
•Why do you think people might pilfer small things instead of stealing big items?
•How does pilfering affect trust in places like work or school?
Fill in the blanks
1.The worker was caught pilfering ___ like pens and paper from the office supply room.
2.Pilfering often happens quietly and ___, so it can be hard to notice at first.
3.Unlike robbery, pilfering involves taking ___ amounts rather than large sums or items.
4.When someone is pilfering, they usually try to avoid ___ so they are not seen or caught.
5.Pilfering can damage relationships because it shows a lack of ___ between people.
6.Security cameras help stop pilfering by making it harder to ___ small items unnoticed.
7.If someone only takes a little food every day, we say they are ___ food from the kitchen.