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ladro

thief; robber

noun LAH-droh Rare
People & Society Crime

Origin: From Latin latro, mercenary soldier, later brigand.

Usage Note

Ladro is the standard word for a thief; the feminine is ladra. The compound al ladro! ('stop thief!') is the classic shout. A ladro di appartamenti is a burglar, while a borseggiatore is a pickpocket — ladro is the general term. The proverb l'occasione fa il ladro ('opportunity makes the thief') is widely known.

Examples

"Il ladro è scappato con il portafoglio."

Natural Translation

The thief ran off with the wallet.

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