What does purloin mean?
Purloin means to steal or take something without its owner's permission. The word suggests a deliberate, often secretive act and can sound more literary, formal, or even humorous than the everyday verb “steal.” It is often used in contexts involving manuscripts, books, documents, data, or small personal objects, where the emphasis is on taking something improperly rather than on the value of the item. A writer might say that a researcher “purloined” unpublished findings or that a thief “purloined” a key. The word is recognized in both British and American English, although its slightly old-fashioned tone means that plain alternatives are more common in everyday speech. Its unusual history and vivid image of carrying something away from afar make it especially memorable in formal prose and narrative writing.
verbTo steal or take something without the owner's permission, especially in a furtive or dishonest way. The word often conveys deliberate, clandestine taking rather than casual theft.
- To steal or take something without permission, typically in a furtive or dishonest manner.
"Someone had purloined the manuscript from the library, leaving only a handwritten note behind."
"The thief purloined the keys while everyone else was distracted."
"Her research assistants suspected that someone had purloined the data before publication."
Purloin began with the image of a thief carrying something off from afar—a perfectly memorable way to describe taking what is not yours.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of purloin
The word entered Middle English in the form “purloyn,” borrowed from Anglo-French “purloigner.” This developed from Old French “porloignier,” meaning “to steal” or “to carry off,” traditionally analyzed as “per-” meaning “through” or “away” together with “loign” meaning “far.” The resulting sense of taking something away from a distance became the modern sense of taking it unlawfully.
Related word forms
How purloin is actually used
Purloin is more literary and deliberate than ordinary words such as “steal.” It may also be used humorously, especially when the act seems minor or playful.