verb / noun
swipe
Taking something without permission.
He swipes a cookie from the jar when nobody is looking.
Etymology
Swipe first suggests a sweeping blow or motion. The stealing sense applies quick taking or snatching to another person's property.
More examples
- Someone swiped my wallet while I was waiting for the bus.
- Don't swipe fries from my plate without asking.
- The camera caught someone swiping packages from the lobby.
Forms
swipe · swipes · swiped · swiping
Similar words
- steal
- The general term for taking someone else's property without permission.
- pilfer
- Usually means stealing small items or amounts, often repeatedly.