Definition

The act of taking someone else's property by force or threat.

Example

The police arrested the suspect for the robbery that occurred last night.

Conversation

Did you hear about that robbery downtown last night?

Yeah, I read about it in the news this morning.

It's so scary how close it was to our neighborhood.

I know, right? We should be more careful when we're out.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Robbery → It is formed from "rob" (from Latin "robare", meaning to seize or take away) and the suffix "-ery" (meaning a place or condition of). The word "robbery" refers to the condition or act of seizing or taking away property unlawfully.

Memory Tip

Think of the act of 'taking away' ('robare') something that belongs to someone else, which is what robbery means.

Visually Confused Words