How do you use the word "theft" in a sentence?

Here are real-life examples of using "theft": The man was charged with theft. I'd like to report a theft.

Theft Meaning

/θɛft/

Definition, CEFR level B1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.

Definition

nounThe act of stealing property.

Sentence Examples

The man was charged with theft.

I'd like to report a theft.

The police brought a charge of theft against him.

CEFR Practice Quiz

The police arrested the man for the ____ of a valuable painting.

CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)

The police are investigating the ____ of several high-value paintings from the local art gallery last night today.

Word Origin & History

From Middle English theft, thefte, þefte, þefþe, þiefþe, Old English þīefþ, from Proto-West Germanic *þiubiþu, from Proto-Germanic *þiubiþō, from *þeubaz (“thief”), equivalent to thief or thieve + -t (abstract nominal suffix). Cognate with Old Frisian thiuvethe, thiufthe (“theft”), dialectal Dutch diefte (“theft”), obsolete German Diebde (“theft”), Icelandic þýfð (“theft”).

Literary Quotations & Historical Citations

"If you steal a candy bar, you are guilty of theft, regardless of the value. You can't fudge the theft by saying, "But it was only a candy bar," or "I didn't steal it from a person, but from a rich corporation," or "Everyone steals from the government."" — 2007 July 5, Charles Hugh Smith, When Lies Become Normal, Is Truth Dead or Just in Hiding?, archived from the original on 12 Feb 2025:

"That last problem did intrude on Hazzard’s roamings, and when she refers to the living city it is with periodic references to thefts of cars and wallets, with a warning not to carry anything “snatchable” by the thieves on motorcycles who whiz through the streets." — 2009 February 15, Judith Martin, “It Started in Naples”, in The New York Times, archived from the original on 16 Jun 2022:

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