Robber
/ˈrɒb.ər/noun
A person who steals from someone or somewhere by force or threat.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to a Germanic root meaning “to snatch, seize, or carry off,” the same ancient force behind words for loot and plunder across the Germanic family.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*h₁rep- / *reup-
“A proposed ancient root associated with seizing, snatching, or tearing away.”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*raubōną
“To rob, plunder, or seize by force.”
Old English
English
rēafian
“To rob, plunder, or strip someone of possessions.”
Old French
OF
rober
“To rob or plunder.”
Middle English
English
robben
“To steal by force; plunder.”
Modern English
English
robber
“A person who robs.”