Word
shoplifter
US/ˈʃɑˌpɫɪftɝ/
UK/ʃˈɒplɪftɐ/
Definition
n. a person who steals things from a shop while pretending to be a customer.
n. a person who steals goods from a retail establishment during business hours while posing as a customer.
Examples
“The security guard catches a shoplifter near the exit.”
“The store manager called the police after a shoplifter tried to leave with several expensive jackets hidden in a bag.”
“Modern retail security relies heavily on digital surveillance to identify any repeat shoplifter before they can exit the premises with stolen merchandise.”
Examples
simple
“The security guard catches a shoplifter near the exit.”
contextual
“The store manager called the police after a shoplifter tried to leave with several expensive jackets hidden in a bag.”
complex
“Modern retail security relies heavily on digital surveillance to identify any repeat shoplifter before they can exit the premises with stolen merchandise.”
Real-World Examples
“Keeley Knowles stole up to £7,000 worth of designer goods every day and became known as "Birmingham's most prolific shoplifter".” “The Met said just 104 prolific shoplifters across London were linked to 4,389 offences over the last two years - it took a minimum of 31 offences before offenders were given a custodial sentence.” “Shoplifters walk into branches of Marks & Spencer with a list in an attempt to get away with hauls worth thousands of pounds, a regional manager says.” Etymology
From shop + lifter, a compound coined in the 17th century for one who steals goods from a retail premises.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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englishreference.com/q/shoplifter