shoplift

Everyday

To steal things from a shop by hiding them and leaving without paying. tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship and safety lessons shoplifting is a crime: stealing even a sweet is still stealing, shops have cameras and security guards, and someone caught may be reported to the police. In stories it can show a character under pressure from friends or in need. Signs say «Shoplifters will be prosecuted».

Examples

• Taking a chocolate bar without paying is shoplifting. tree →
• The guard saw a man try to shoplift a phone case. tree →
• Never let anyone pressure you to shoplift. tree →
• He was caught shoplifting and his parents were called. tree →
• The shop has cameras to stop people shoplifting. tree →
• She was too honest to shoplift, even when her friends dared her. tree →
• The sign said, "Shoplifters will be prosecuted." tree →

Note

Regular verb. Person: «a shoplifter»; act: «shoplifting» (uncountable). It is a form of theft in the UK, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Ireland. Age does not make it allowed.