to nim
- verb
- /nɪm/
- Archaic
- Long ago, thieves would nim purses from distracted travelers in crowded markets.
Examples
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He quickly nimmed a cookie from the jar.
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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.
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Don't nim my pencil!
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In the old tale, the clever boy nimmed an apple from the merchant's cart.
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He quickly nimmed a cookie from the jar while nobody was looking.
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She nimmed the precious document from the desk, ensuring no one noticed.
Synonyms
51
8.6
To steal something quickly or secretly
16
6.5
To take something quickly without the owner's permission, often without being noticed
4
8.4
To steal a small thing quietly when no one is looking
2
4.6
To steal small items, especially money, from someone's pocket or bag without them noticing
1
7.7
To quickly take something before others can act
Antonyms
Compounds
- Indian
1
9.9
A large almost evergreen tree from Asia whose bitter bark and oil are used in medicine and repel insects
How Serious
Surface Forms
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.