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Definition of shoplifting

shoplifting

/ˈʃɑːpˌlɪf.tɪŋ/
shop · lift · ing
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shoplifting Lexical Profile

shoplifting Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The criminal act of stealing goods from a retail store while posing as a customer.

Example

"The department store installed additional security cameras to deter shoplifting during the busy holiday season."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for shoplifting

• Nearby Words

shopkeeping
shoplift
shoplifter
shoplifting
shopman
shopper
shopping

Word Origin & Etymology

First recorded in the late 17th century, combining 'shop' with the slang sense of 'lift' meaning 'to steal' (a usage dating back to the 16th century, related to Gothic 'hlifan', meaning 'to steal').

Cite this Entry

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