What does heist mean?
Heist means a robbery, especially a dramatic, organized, or otherwise memorable theft. It is often used in news reports, crime fiction, films, and descriptions of notorious criminal episodes, where it gives an event a sense of planning, danger, and spectacle. As a noun, “heist” can refer to the crime itself, as in “a daring bank heist,” or less commonly to the group or operation involved. As a verb, “heist” means to rob or steal, typically by force, deception, or threat. The word is informal in tone but has become broadly established in British and American English. Its strong association with crime and entertainment makes it more evocative than the general words “theft” or “robbery,” while still conveying much the same basic meaning.
A robbery, especially one that is bold, dramatic, or carefully planned.
"The museum heist involved several teams and a sophisticated escape plan."
Commonly used in journalism, crime fiction, film, and informal speech.
To rob or steal, especially by force, deception, or threat.
"They tried to heist the bank, but the alarm went off before they reached the vault."
More characteristic of informal and especially American English than formal writing.
The standard plural of the noun is “heists.”
"The two heists took place within a week of each other."
Heist made its mark in American crime slang before becoming a global favorite for describing the kind of robbery that feels like it belonged in a movie.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does heist come from?
The English word developed in American slang from German heisten, meaning “to steal,” with roots in Middle High German. It was initially associated with criminal activity and later became established in broader American English before spreading into other varieties. The related English noun “heister” means a thief and reflects the same German source.
Related word forms
How heist is actually used
Heist is informal and strongly associated with crime reporting, entertainment, and American gangster culture. It has become widely understood in British English as well. As a verb, it is less common than the noun and usually describes an act of robbery.
Easily confused with heist
A heist is a robbery or theft, whereas a hoist is a device for lifting or an act of raising something.