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to nim

to nim

9.9
To steal something quickly without being noticed
  • verb
  • /nɪm/
  • Archaic
translation icon : robar
  • Long ago, thieves would nim purses from distracted travelers in crowded markets.

Examples

  • He quickly nimmed a cookie from the jar.

  • She nimmed the letter before anyone else could see it, acting swiftly and quietly.

  • In the old tale, the clever boy nimmed an apple from the merchant's cart.

  • Don't nim my pencil!

  • In the old tale, the clever boy nimmed an apple from the merchant's cart.

  • He quickly nimmed a cookie from the jar while nobody was looking.

  • She nimmed the precious document from the desk, ensuring no one noticed.

Synonyms

to jack
vsto nim
  • Slang
46 8.6

To steal something quickly or secretly

is the older term that stresses light, unnoticed taking
to walk off with
vsto nim
  • Informal
13 6.5

To take something quickly without the owner's permission, often without being noticed

is an older, less used word for the same quick taking
to filch
vsto nim
4 8.4

To steal a small thing quietly when no one is looking

covers quick light taking not limited to small items
to snipe
vsto nim
  • Informal
1 7.7

To quickly take something before others can act

focuses on quick light theft rather than opportunistic preemption
to pickpocketing
vsto nim
4.6

To steal small items, especially money, from someone's pocket or bag without them noticing

is a general quick taking not tied to this specific method

Antonyms

1.0

To hand something to someone, for example a present

1.0

Give something back to its owner or the place it came from

Compounds

nim tree
  • Indian
9.9

A large almost evergreen tree from Asia whose bitter bark and oil are used in medicine and repel insects

How Serious

to rob
696 1.2
to steal
1.0
to nim
  • Archaic
9.9

Surface Forms

nim infinitive
nimmed past
nimmed past participle
nimming present participle
nims third person singular

Etymology

Nim as a verb comes from the old English root niman, which means 'to take'. A helpful way to remember it is to think of quickly and quietly 'taking' something, which is why nim was used to mean to steal or snatch in old use.