shoplift

verb

shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
shoplifted; shoplifting; shoplifts

intransitive verb

: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

Examples of shoplift in a Sentence

The manager saw the kids shoplift and called the police. The kids shoplifted candy from the store.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As inflation continues to impact both businesses and families, shoplifting rates have surged even higher. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 Murray, 19, was arrested in April for driving under the influence of alcohol and cited in June for shoplifting in Lincoln. Mitch Sherman, The Athletic, 22 Aug. 2024 Zachariah Kent, 30, a Massachusetts State Police trooper from Sutton, was suspended without pay after being accused of shoplifting more than $1,000 worth of merchandise, including golf balls, the agency said. Democrat-Gazette Staff From Wire Reports, arkansasonline.com, 24 Dec. 2024 California voters passed Proposition 36, a tough-on-crime ballot question, in the November election in response to concerns about shoplifting across the state. Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 23 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shoplift 

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from shoplifter

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoplift was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near shoplift

Cite this Entry

“Shoplift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoplift. Accessed 15 Jan. 2025.

Kids Definition

shoplift

verb
shop·​lift -ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal merchandise on display in stores

Legal Definition

shoplift

intransitive verb
shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

More from Merriam-Webster on shoplift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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