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rob

verb
\ ˈrÀb How to pronounce rob (audio) \
robbed; robbing

Definition of rob

transitive verb

1a(1) : to take something away from by force : steal from
(2) : to take personal property from by violence or threat
b(1) : to remove valuables without right from (a place)
(2) : to take the contents of (a receptacle)
c : to take away as loot : steal rob jewelry
2a : to deprive of something due, expected, or desired
b : to withhold unjustly or injuriously

intransitive verb

: to commit robbery
Other Words from rob Synonyms Can rob mean 'to steal'?: Usage Guide Example Sentences Learn More about rob

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Other Words from rob

robber noun

Can rob mean 'to steal'?: Usage Guide

Transitive sense 1c, in which the direct object is the thing stolen, is sometimes considered to be wrong, or perhaps archaic. The sense has been in use since the 13th century and is found in earlier literature. contrive to rob the honey and subvert the hive — John Dryden It is still in use though not as common as other senses. then robbed $100 after the clerk fled — Springfield (Mass.) Morning Union

Examples of rob in a Sentence

Someone tried to rob me. The cashier was robbed at gunpoint.

Recent Examples on the Web

 Maybe Hernandez could have robbed him of that double. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Process the focus as young Padres try to take PCL success into the majors," 28 Aug. 2019 While everyone aimed for the sky, Trout beat balls into the dirt, robbing him of the kind of sterling power numbers that would’ve made this a truly world-class season. — Jon Tayler, SI.com, "Ranking Mike Trout's Eight Seasons From Great to Greatest," 27 Aug. 2019 The Overland Stage Company had hired Slade to build and run this stop to keep him from robbing it. — Tom Noel, The Know, "16 strange, spooky and (mostly) true Colorado stories to tell around a campfire," 24 Aug. 2019 The employee recognized him as the same man that had robbed her and the store just the day before, according to police. — Houston Chronicle, "Man accused of robbing same Subway twice sought by police," 6 Aug. 2019 Wielding a gun, Jones ordered Means to strip with the intention of robbing him. — Cameron Knight, Cincinnati.com, "After a decade in jail, a woman convicted in a murder she didn't commit is free," 5 Aug. 2019 That shoulder surgery robbed him of his 2017 season. — Gregg Doyel, Indianapolis Star, "Doyel: Andrew Luck isn't practicing. Is it time to freak out?," 30 July 2019 Bowlen kept on keeping on for the next several years until Alzheimer’s robbed him of his life’s fourth quarter. — Ryan O'halloran, The Denver Post, "For Pat Bowlen, family, friends and adventure in Hawaii represented “perfect lifestyle”," 28 July 2019 No goop dripping out of one of the fruits tied to the end of it, robbing us all of that iconic imagery. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, "All the differences between the original Lion King and the remake," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rob.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of rob

13th century, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a(1)

History and Etymology for rob

Middle English robben, from Anglo-French rober, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German roubƍn to rob — more at reave

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More Definitions for rob

rob

verb
How to pronounce rob (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of rob

: to take money or property from (a person or a place) illegally and sometimes by using force, violence, or threats
: to keep (someone) from getting something expected or wanted

See the full definition for rob in the English Language Learners Dictionary

rob

verb
\ ˈrÀb How to pronounce rob (audio) \
robbed; robbing

Kids Definition of rob

1 : to unlawfully take something away from a person or place in secrecy or by force, threat, or trickery
2 : to keep from getting something due, expected, or desired The noisy party robbed her of sleep.

Other Words from rob

robber noun

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More from Merriam-Webster on rob

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with rob

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for rob

Spanish Central: Translation of rob

Nglish: Translation of rob for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of rob for Arabic Speakers

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