mindmap root((偷窃)) steal may apply to any surreptitious taking of something either tangible or intangible: ~ jewels. ~ a look at her. pilfer implies a repeated stealing by stealth in small amounts: dismissed for ~ing from the company. filch adds to pilfer a suggestion of quickness: ~ed an apple when the man looked away. purloin stresses a removing or carrying off for one's own use or purpose: had ~ed a typewriter and other office equipment.