Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

petty-thief

noun
/ˈpɛti θiːf/
Definition
A petty thief is a person who steals small amounts of money or items of little value.
Examples
  • The petty thief was caught stealing candy from the store.
  • Despite being a petty thief, he still faced consequences for his actions.
  • She warned her friends to keep an eye on their belongings to avoid becoming a victim of a petty thief.
Meaning
Petty thieves usually engage in minor thefts or thefts that are not considered major crimes. Their actions often involve opportunistic crimes rather than careful planning.
Synonyms
  • shoplifter
  • pickpocket
  • kleptomaniac