/θi:f ||; θif/noun [C] (plural thieves /θi:vz ||; θivz/) a person who steals things from another person 窃贼；小偷 ☞A thief is a general word for a person who steals things, usually secretly and without violence. The name of the crime is theft. A robber steals from a bank, shop, etc and often uses violence or threats. A burglar steals things by breaking into a house, shop, etc, often at night, and a shoplifter goes into a shop when it is open and takes things without paying. A mugger steals from sb in the street and uses violence or threats. Look also at the note at steal. thief泛指偷东西的人，通常不用暴力，暗中进行，所犯的盗窃罪叫做theft。robber通常在银行、商店等使用暴力或威吓的手段抢劫。burglar常在晚上破门入屋或商店等偷东西。shoplifter在商店营业时取走物品而不付款。mugger在大街上使用暴力或威吓手段抢人东西。另参看steal的注释。