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rob

v.
US //ˈɹɑb// UK //ɹˈɒb// rob
  1. 1 to steal using force (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to take money or property from a person or place by using force or threats.

    to take property from a person or place illegally, typically by using force or the threat of violence. Transitive — requires a direct object representing the victim or location.

    Example

    Two men tried to rob the bank in the middle of the afternoon.

    Example

    The gang conspired to rob the high-end jewellery store during the city's annual festival, hoping the crowds would mask their escape.
    Pitfall
    The thief robbed my phone from my bag.
    The thief stole my phone from my bag.

    You 'rob' a person or a place (the victim), but you 'steal' an object (the thing taken).

  2. 2 to deprive someone of something (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to unfairly take away an opportunity, a feeling, or a chance from someone.

    to deprive someone of something they deserve or expected to have, often used in a figurative or emotional context.

    Example

    The heavy rain robbed us of the chance to see the sunrise.

    Example

    The sudden injury robbed the young athlete of her best opportunity to compete in the national championships after years of training.
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  1. 3 to steal (general) (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate British English Informal Slang

    to steal something, even without using force.

    to commit theft; used broadly in informal contexts to mean stealing any item regardless of the method used.

    Example

    Someone robbed my bike while I was inside the shop for five minutes.

    Example

    He was shocked to discover that someone had robbed his tools from the back of the van while it was parked in the driveway.
  2. 4 to take the ball (v.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Sport

    to take the ball or puck away from an opponent during a game.

    to dispossess an opponent of the ball, puck, or other game object through a skilful defensive manoeuvre.

    Example

    The defender managed to rob the striker just before he could shoot.

    Example

    The point guard expertly robbed the veteran player at mid-court, leading to a fast break that shifted the momentum of the game.
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