rob vs burgle

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   To steal from a person or place by using force or threats, often when the victim is present.

   Grammar: The verb 'rob' takes a person or place as its object: rob a bank, rob someone.

   Patterns

   • rob someone
   • rob a place
   • rob someone of something

   Two men robbed the bank at gunpoint yesterday.

   She was robbed of her wallet while walking home.

   The gang robbed several tourists in the city center.

2. 2phrasefixed phraseBritish

   To enter a building illegally and steal things from it, especially when no one is confronted.

   Grammar: The verb 'burgle' (British) or 'burglarize' (American) takes a building as its object: burgle a house.

   Patterns

   • burgle a house
   • burgle an office
   • be burgled

   Our neighbors' house was burgled last night while they were away.

   The office was burgled and several computers were taken.

   He burgled three homes before he was caught.

Common combinations

rob a bank

The police are looking for the men who robbed a bank.

burgle a house

Burglars often burgle houses when the owners are on holiday.

armed robbery

Armed robbery carries a heavy prison sentence.

burglary

The burglary happened in the middle of the night.

Synonyms and how they differ

steal

Focuses on taking property without violence; 'rob' implies force or threat against a person or place.

burglarize

American spelling for 'burgle'; used when entering a building to steal.

Word family

robber noun

A person who robs.

robbery noun

The crime of robbing.

burglar noun

A person who burgles.

burglary noun

The crime of burgling.

Commonly confused: rob vs burgle or steal? rob vs burgle or mug?

Practice

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