shoplift
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʃɒp.lɪft/
KK: /ʃɑpˌlɪft/
intransitive verb
Definition
To take items from a store without paying for them, usually while the store is open to customers.
Example
He was caught trying to shoplift a pair of shoes from the store.
Tense Forms
Past: shoplifted
Past Participle: shoplifted
Conversation
Did you hear about that store where people shoplift all the time?
Yeah, it's crazy how often it happens there.
I can't believe some people actually think they can get away with shoplifting.
Right? It's just not worth the risk.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
pilfer
thieve
lift
Antonyms
return
pay
donate
transitive verb
Definition
To take items from a store without paying for them while the store is open.
Example
He was caught trying to shoplift a pair of shoes from the store.
Tense Forms
Past: shoplifted
Past Participle: shoplifted
Conversation
Did you hear about that store down the street where someone tried to shoplift?
Yeah, I saw it on the news! That's so bold.
I can't believe people would actually try to shoplift in broad daylight.
Root Explanation
Shoplift → It is formed from "shop" (from Old English *sceoppa*, meaning a place where goods are sold) and "lift" (from Old English *lyftan*, meaning to raise or take). The word "shoplift" means to take goods from a shop without paying for them.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'shop' as a place where you buy things, and 'lift' means to take something up — so shoplift means to take something from a shop without paying.
Visually Confused Words
hoplite