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Definition of shoplifter

shoplifter

/ˈʃɑːpˌlɪf.tɚ/
shop · lif · ter
Plural:shoplifters
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shoplifter Lexical Profile

shoplifter Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A person who steals merchandise from a retail store while posing as a customer.

Example

"The store security guard detained the shoplifter near the exit until the police arrived."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shoplifter

• Nearby Words

shopkeeper
shopkeeping
shoplift
shoplifter
shoplifting
shopman
shopper

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 17th century, formed by combining 'shop' with 'lifter', a slang term used since the 16th century to mean a thief (from the sense of 'lifting' or taking goods).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Shoplifter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/shoplifter
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