# rob

/ˈɹɑb/ (US) · /ɹˈɒb/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/rob
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to steal using force

verb · CEFR B1

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

For teachers: 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.

- Two men tried to rob the bank in the middle of the afternoon.
- The gang conspired to rob the high-end jewellery store during the city's annual festival, hoping the crowds would mask their escape.

### 2. to deprive someone of something

verb · CEFR B2

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

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

- The heavy rain robbed us of the chance to see the sunrise.
- The sudden injury robbed the young athlete of her best opportunity to compete in the national championships after years of training.

### 3. to steal (general)

verb · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal · Slang

to steal something, even without using force.

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

- Someone robbed my bike while I was inside the shop for five minutes.
- He was shocked to discover that someone had robbed his tools from the back of the van while it was parked in the driveway.

### 4. to take the ball

verb · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- The defender managed to rob the striker just before he could shoot.
- The point guard expertly robbed the veteran player at mid-court, leading to a fast break that shifted the momentum of the game.

## Examples

- Two men tried to rob the local bank yesterday morning.
- The thieves managed to rob the jewelry store in broad daylight while the security guard was on a break.
- Historians argue whether the legendary figure intended to rob the rich to support the poor or if he was simply a common thief operating in the forest.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.