verb

snitch

To take something secretly without permission.

The child snitches a cookie from the cooling tray.

Etymology

The theft sense is associated with taking or snatching something quickly and secretly. Its exact origin is uncertain, so a more specific historical source is not proposed.

More examples

  • He snitched a pencil from my desk.
  • She caught him snitching sweets.
  • They had snitched the keys without asking.

Forms

snitch · snitches · snitched · snitching

Similar words

steal
The direct verb, without the suggestion of a small furtive taking.
pilfer
Pilfer particularly suggests stealing small items.