Word
heist
US/ˈhaɪst/
UK/hˈaɪst/
Definitions
01a robbery
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. a crime where people steal a lot of money or valuable items, often from a bank or museum.
n. a major robbery or burglary, especially one that is carefully planned and targets a financial institution or gallery.
“The thieves planned the diamond heist for months before they finally broke into the vault.”
“The museum heist resulted in the loss of three priceless Impressionist paintings, leaving investigators with few clues as to how the security system was bypassed.”
Usage
Often used as a compound noun, such as 'bank heist' or 'diamond heist'.
02film/fiction genre
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Theater Informal
n. a type of movie or book that focuses on a group of people planning a big robbery.
n. a subgenre of crime fiction or film that focuses on the planning, execution, and aftermath of a major theft.
“Ocean's Eleven is one of the most famous heist movies ever made.”
“The director revitalized the heist genre by focusing more on the psychological tension between the criminals than on the technical details of the break-in.”
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“It is the latest high profile heist on a European museum.” “Another man and a woman have also been arrested over the library heist.” Etymology
Probably pronunciation variation of hoist.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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