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to hook

to hook

1 9.1
To steal something, especially quickly in a crowded place
  • verb
  • /hʊk/
  • Slang
: birlar
  • Last night, he hooked a new pair of sneakers from the store without paying.

Examples

  • I can't believe she hooked the latest smartphone right out of the display case!

  • Hey, Officer, l get here before you hook me, you're supposed to let me go.

  • I know I got hooked up with a steal, good enough that each panel only cost me around $110.00.

    Blog text (14)
  • He hooked Monsignor Ryan's Coupe de Ville last Saturday while the Monsignor was in saying the 8:00 mass.

  • They tried to hook a few video games from the shop, but the alarm went off.

Synonyms

to steal
vsto hook
∞ 1.0

Take something that does not belong to you without permission

is a slang informal expression rather than the standard neutral term
to sneak
vsto hook
851 2.8

To move or take something quietly so others do not notice

is the slang theft word not specifically about secret movement
to grab
vsto hook
77 4.5

To take power or money in a dishonest, selfish way

is the informal theft term focused on taking possessions rather than seizure
to pick
vsto hook
21 8.4

To steal small things from someone's pocket or bag

is the slang theft term not limited to pockets or bags
to swipe
vsto hook
  • Informal
21 5.5

To take something quickly without the owner noticing

is the slang theft word without the specific quick casual sense
to pinch
vsto hook
  • Informal
19 8.0

Steal something small, often of little value

is an informal theft name used for items of any value
to cop
vsto hook
  • Slang
18 9.0

Take something without permission, often quickly

is the slang theft term without the casual obtainment focus
to pilfer
vsto hook
18 6.5

To steal small things of little value, often a little at a time

is a general slang theft word that does not imply low value
to purloin
vsto hook
4 9.6

To steal something secretly or dishonestly

is an informal slang term rather than this word's more formal sense
to filch
vsto hook
4 8.4

To steal a small thing quietly when no one is looking

is a broader slang theft term, not limited to small items
to lift
vsto hook
  • Informal
4 8.1

To steal something secretly from a shop or person

is the informal theft word not focused on sleight methods
to thieve
vsto hook
4 4.6

To steal something secretly when no one is looking

is the informal slang counterpart rather than a neutral verb
to knock off
vsto hook
  • Slang
3 8.4

Steal things, for example electronics or cars

is the same meaning but uses a different informal term
to snitch
vsto hook
  • Archaic
2 8.0

To steal something quickly and secretly

is the slang informal term but may differ in style
to snarf
vsto hook
  • Slang
1 9.9

To take something quickly, often without permission

is an informal theft word that does not stress quickness
to glom
vsto hook
  • Slang
1 9.9

Take something secretly without permission

is a general slang theft term not limited to sneaky acts
to nobble
vsto hook
  • NSFW
1 9.9

British informal word for stealing someone else's things

is a slang theft word used more widely, not only British

Idioms

off the hook
  • Informal
117 5.9

No longer in trouble or responsible for something

off the hook
  • Slang
28 8.2

Very exciting and impressive

on the hook
  • Informal
25 7.7

Responsible for paying or doing something, often unwillingly

2 8.1

Using any way to get something done no matter what it takes

9.9

Leave a place quickly because you are not welcome

9.9

To leave quickly because people do not want you there

Phrasal Verbs

to hook up
  • NSFW
283 8.7

To meet someone for a brief romantic or sexual encounter

130 3.7

To connect devices so they work together

52 4.1

To free someone from blame or punishment

7.4

To connect a device to a main computer so it can send and receive data

Compounds

A set of hooks on a rope used to catch and hold things like a wall or ship

8 4.8

A strong pointed hook for hanging dead animals in a butcher shop

3 8.0

A person with a long curved nose like a bird's beak

hook shot
  • Specialized
1 3.6

A basketball shot made by sweeping the arm and releasing the ball high with the hand farthest from the basket

1 3.2

A short easy to remember musical phrase that repeats in a song

1 3.2

A needle with a small hook at one end used to pull yarn through loops to make fabric

1 3.6

A small metal piece with a hook that fits into a loop to hold clothes closed

1 7.2

A tool with a long handle and a curved blade used to cut small tree branches and shrubs

cant hook
  • Specialized
1 9.8

A long handle with a metal hook used to move and turn logs

1 3.9

A long pole with a hook used to push, pull, or catch things near boats

1 3.5

A small metal hook that you screw under a shelf to hang cups by the handles

1 3.5

An opening line or idea that quickly gets people's attention

reaping hook
  • Archaic
1 8.3

A small hand tool with a curved blade and short handle for cutting wheat and grass

1 7.7

A metal rod with a handle used to move burning logs or stir hot embers

1 8.8

A wooden block attached to a bench that holds wood steady while you cut or shape it

bolus hook
  • Specialized
9.9

A small part in a Jacquard loom that lifts warp threads to make patterns

9.9

A strong metal bar with a sharp point that you use to move logs

An earring that fits over the edge of the ear without needing a piercing

arrester hook
  • Specialized
9.9

A device on a plane that catches a wire on a carrier deck to stop the plane quickly during landing

A cape and town on the southwest coast of the Netherlands that has a ferry port

7.6

A tool with a hooked end that turns round nuts with notches

hook wrench
  • Specialized
6.4

A tool with a hooked end for turning round nuts or bolt heads without flat sides

9.8

A hand tool with a curved blade and short handle for cutting grass or crops

How Serious

to rob
852 1.2
to burgle
  • UK
5 5.0
to hook
  • Slang
1 9.1
to steal
∞ 1.0
to pilfer
18 6.5

Surface Forms

hook infinitive
hooked past
hooked past participle
hooking present participle
hooks third person singular

Etymology

A helpful way to remember hook meaning 'to steal' is to think of a thief using a hook to take something quickly, so the slang use suggests taking or snatching items.