Purloined

The verb 'purloined' means to steal or take something, often secretly or without the owner's knowledge or permission. It implies a degree of stealth and usually refers to property or items of value, even if that value is sentimental. The act of purloining suggests a breach of trust or ethical conduct. Often, it indicates a deliberate intent to acquire possession of something that doesn't rightfully belong to the taker. It can also be used figuratively to describe the appropriation of ideas or credit for someone else's work. The implications frequently involve the element of deception. The term emphasizes the illicit nature of the taking, highlighting a covert nature of the acquisition.

Purloined meaning with examples

• The detective suspected that the priceless diamond necklace had been purloined during the bustling gala, as security footage showed a shadowy figure near the display case just before the alarm sounded. The police launched an investigation, hoping to recover the jewelry.
• During the library's inventory, it was discovered that several rare first editions had been purloined, their absence marked by empty shelves and bewildered staff. The librarian was heartbroken.
• The artist felt his innovative concept for the new sculpture had been purloined when a rival company announced a strikingly similar design, causing him great distress over the blatant plagiarism.
• Driven by desperation, the hungry child purloined an apple from the fruit vendor's cart, though he felt shame and guilt later. He justified it with his empty stomach.
• Despite the tight security, the valuable painting was purloined from the gallery in the dead of night. Authorities were baffled, and many wondered who could carry out such a theft.
• The politician was accused of having purloined funds from the public coffers, diverting the money into his personal accounts in a scandal that rocked the nation.
• In the mystery novel, the butler was the prime suspect, having been seen near the safe where the jewels had been purloined. All eyes turned on him as the investigation began.
• Her diary was purloined by a spiteful coworker and then leaked online, revealing her most intimate secrets. It led to severe repercussions for the purloiner.