stole

Verb

steal (third-person singular simple present steals, present participle stealing, simple past stole, past participle stolen or (nonstandard, colloquial) stole)

1. (transitive) To take illegally, or without the owner's permission, something owned by someone else without intending to return it.
   • Three irreplaceable paintings were stolen from the gallery.
2. (transitive, usually, words, a look, credit) To appropriate without giving credit or acknowledgement.
   • They stole my idea for a biodegradable, disposable garbage de-odorizer.
3. (transitive) To get or effect surreptitiously or artfully.
   • He stole glances at the pretty woman across the street.
4. (figuratively, informal, transitive) To acquire at a low price.
   • He stole the car for two thousand less than its book value.
5. (transitive) To draw attention unexpectedly in (an entertainment), especially by being the outstanding performer. Usually used in the phrase steal the show.
6. (intransitive) To move silently or secretly; to pass unnoticed.
   • He stole across the room, trying not to wake her.

   Synonyms:

   sneak

See all 18 meanings of steal