robber
robber Lexical Profile
robber Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A person who unlawfully takes money or property from someone or an institution, especially through the use of force, violence, or intimidation.
"Security cameras captured the robber fleeing the jewelry store just moments before the police arrived."
A person or business that charges exorbitant or unfair prices, or exploits others financially.
"The tourists complained that the unlicensed taxi drivers at the terminal were absolute robbers."
Word Nuance & Usage
In legal and precise usage, a 'robber' takes property directly from a person using force or intimidation, whereas a 'burglar' unlawfully enters a building to commit a crime and a 'thief' steals by stealth without direct confrontation.
• Rhymes for robber
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Middle English from Anglo-Norman 'robbere' and Old French 'robeor', ultimately derived from Proto-Germanic *raubōną ('to plunder, strip, or rob'), which is also the root of the English word 'robe' (originally referring to booty or garments stripped from fallen enemies).