robber

UK: ˈrɒbə | US: ˈrɑːbər

Definition

  1. n. a person who commits robbery; a thief who steals by force or threat.

Structure
rob <to steal>er <agent noun suffix>rob <to steal>er <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "robber" traces back to the Old French rober, meaning "to plunder," which itself derives from Germanic roots. The suffix "-er" was added in Middle English to form an agent noun, creating "robber" to describe someone who steals, especially through force or intimidation. The term reflects the violent connotation of theft by coercion, distinct from stealth-based theft (e.g., "thief").

Examples

  1. The robber threatened the cashier with a knife.

  2. Police arrested the robber after a high-speed chase.

  3. The bank installed new cameras to deter robbers.

  4. Witnesses described the robber as wearing a black mask.

  5. The robber stole jewelry and cash from the store.