purloin
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /pɜːrˈlɔɪn/
KK: /pɜrˈlɔɪn/
intransitive verb
Definition
To steal something, especially in a sneaky or secretive way.
Example
He tried to purloin a valuable painting from the museum.
Tense Forms
Past: purloined
Past Participle: purloined
Conversation
Did you hear about that guy who tried to purloin the art from the gallery?
Yeah, I read that it was a pretty bold move.
I can't believe someone would actually attempt to purloin something so valuable.
Right? It makes you wonder what they were thinking.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
steal
filch
thieve
Antonyms
return
restore
give
transitive verb
Definition
To take something that belongs to someone else, usually in a sneaky or dishonest way.
Example
He decided to purloin a few coins from the charity box.
Tense Forms
Past: purloined
Past Participle: purloined
Conversation
Did you hear about the guy who tried to purloin money from the charity?
Yeah, that’s really disappointing — people should be more trustworthy.
I can't believe someone would actually purloin from a good cause.
Root Explanation
Purloin → It is derived from the Old French 'porloigner' (meaning to take away) which combines 'por-' (meaning away) and 'loigner' (meaning to remove or distance). The word 'purloin' means to take something away, especially in a sneaky or dishonest manner.
Memory Tip
Think of 'taking away' in a sneaky way — 'por-' means away and 'loigner' means to remove. This helps you remember that purloin means to steal or take something secretly.
Visually Confused Words
spurling
puruloid
purfling
purblind