verb

roll

To rob people, especially when they cannot defend themselves.

The crime story follows thieves who roll an unsuspecting tourist.

Etymology

The robbery slang is associated with rolling or turning over a helpless person to search that person. It specializes the movement verb to stealing from someone unable to resist.

More examples

  • He was rolled after leaving the crowded bar.
  • The gang had rolled several travelers near the station.
  • The victim reported that someone had tried to roll him.

Forms

roll · rolls · rolled · rolling

Similar words

rob
The neutral word without the slang register.
mug
Usually involves force or threats rather than exploiting helplessness.