Stolen Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈstoʊlən/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A thing that has been taken without permission or by force, often in a secretive or dishonest manner.

Examples

• The thief made off with the stolen jewels.
• She felt like her heart had been stolen by the news.

Synonyms

• Pilfered
• Purloined

Antonyms

• Given
• Returned

Additional Information

The term “stolen” can refer to a variety of things, including physical objects, ideas, and even intangible concepts like emotions or time. It can also be used figuratively, as in the case of someone’s heart being “stolen” by love or grief. In some cases, the use of “stolen” can imply a sense of violation or wrongdoing, while in others it may simply indicate that something has been taken without permission.

In literature and poetry, the concept of “stolen” is often explored in relation to themes of loss, longing, and identity. For example, a writer may describe a character’s experiences as “stolen” to convey a sense of disconnection or disorientation. In music, the term “stolen” may be used to describe a melody or rhythm that has been borrowed or sampled from another artist.

In everyday language, “stolen” is often used to describe something that has been taken without permission, such as a stolen car or a stolen wallet. However, it can also be used in more abstract ways, such as to describe a moment or experience that has been “stolen” from someone.

Etymology

The word “stolen” comes from the Old English word “stelan”, which means “to steal”. This word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word “*stelan”, which is also the source of the Modern German word “stehlen”. The word “stolen” has been in use in the English language since the 9th century.

Usage Notes

The word “stolen” can be used in a variety of contexts, including formal and informal writing and speech. However, in some cases, the word may be considered too formal or dramatic for everyday conversation. In such cases, synonyms like “taken” or “swiped” may be more suitable.

Cultural References

The concept of “stolen” has been explored in a variety of cultural references, including literature, music, and film. For example, the novel “The Stolen Child” by Keith Donohue tells the story of a young boy who is stolen away by the fey. In music, the song “Stolen” by Dashboard Confessional is a popular emo anthem.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• Stolen thunder: to take credit for someone else’s idea or achievement.
• Stolen moment: a brief, often secret, moment of pleasure or enjoyment.

Related Words or Phrases

• Pilfered
• Purloined
• Swiped
• Taken

Collocations

• Stolen goods
• Stolen property
• Stolen identity

Frequency of Use

The word “stolen” is a relatively common word in modern language, with a frequency of use of around 0.5% in written English.

Common Misspellings

• Stoln
• Stolne
• Stollen