shoplifting
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈʃɒpˌlɪftɪŋ/
KK: /ˈʃɑpˌlɪftɪŋ/
noun
Definition
The act of stealing goods from a store while pretending to be a customer.
Example
He was caught shoplifting a pair of shoes from the department store.
Conversation
Did you hear about that incident at the mall last weekend?
Yeah, I did! Apparently, it was a case of shoplifting.
It's crazy how some people think they can get away with shoplifting.
I know, right? It's just not worth the risk.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
theft
stealing
larceny
Antonyms
giving
donation
contribution
verb
Definition
To steal goods from a store while pretending to be a customer.
Example
He was caught shoplifting a pair of shoes from the store.
Tense Forms
Past: shoplifted
Past Participle: shoplifted
Conversation
Did you hear about that store where they caught someone shoplifting?
Yeah, it's really sad how some people resort to that.
I wonder what drives someone to shoplift in the first place.
Root Explanation
Shoplifting is formed from "shop" (from Old English *sceoppa*, meaning a place where goods are sold) and "lifting" (from the verb "lift", meaning to raise or take up). The word describes the act of lifting or taking goods from a shop without paying for them.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'shop' as a place where goods are sold, and 'lifting' as taking something up — that's why shoplifting means taking goods from a shop without paying.
Visually Confused Words
shifting
uplifting
splitting