shoplift

verb

shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
shoplifted; shoplifting; shoplifts

intransitive verb

: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

Examples of shoplift in a Sentence

The manager saw the kids shoplift and called the police. The kids shoplifted candy from the store.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Medical debt has pushed families into desperate situations, with some turning to shoplifting over-the-counter medications for their children or falling prey to scams promising cheap but ineffective treatments. Tony Christiano, Chicago Tribune, 7 Feb. 2025 Hayden’s office, the Boston Police Department, and regional retailer groups and small business owners last year launched the Safe Shopping Initiative — an effort to increase consumer safety and help store managers strategize responses to shoplifting and retail larcenies. Flint McColgan, Boston Herald, 28 Jan. 2025 It is named for Georgia nursing student Laken Riley, who was killed by a Venezuelan migrant who was arrested for shoplifting ahead of the attack after he was paroled into the country. Mychael Schnell, The Hill, 22 Jan. 2025 California voters passed Proposition 36, a tough-on-crime ballot question, in response to concerns about shoplifting across the state. George Monastiriakos, Newsweek, 31 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for shoplift 

Word History

Etymology

back-formation from shoplifter

First Known Use

1756, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of shoplift was in 1756

Dictionary Entries Near shoplift

Cite this Entry

“Shoplift.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shoplift. Accessed 12 Feb. 2025.

Kids Definition

shoplift

verb
shop·​lift -ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal merchandise on display in stores

Legal Definition

shoplift

intransitive verb
shop·​lift ˈshäp-ˌlift How to pronounce shoplift (audio)
: to steal displayed goods from a store

transitive verb

: to steal (displayed goods) from a store

More from Merriam-Webster on shoplift

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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