lātrō
masculine
The English phrase 'robber' is translated into Latin as lātrō. Wiktionary also lists latroncula and lātrunculus.
Meaning: one who robs (noun)
Ways to say it
| Latin | Note |
|---|---|
| lātrō | masculine |
| latroncula | |
| lātrunculus | masculine |
Related terms include Latrocinium, which denotes the acts of robbery or the state of being a robber and the verb Latrocinor, meaning to rob or to act as a robber. Additionally, Latrones can refer to a group of robbers.
Which one should you use?
While lātrō is the standard term for a robber, the form lātrunculus is a diminutive. This is often used to imply a petty thief or a small-time robber. The feminine form of this diminutive is latroncula.
How does it change in a sentence?
For the diminutive lātrunculus, the plural is lātrunculi for masculine subjects or lātrunculae for feminine subjects. If the little robber is the direct object of a verb, you use the accusative singular form lātrunculam.
Did you know?
- The Latin term lātrō was frequently used by Roman writers to describe foreign guerrilla fighters or rebels who lived in the wild and raided cities.
- While 'robber' is the primary meaning, the root of lātrō is linked to the idea of 'hiding' or 'lurking' in the shadows to ambush victims.
- Latin has a specific word for the 'industry' of robbery, latrocinium. This treats the act of being a robber as a professional trade or a systematic business venture.
Examples in context
- Lātrō in silvā habitat.A robber lives in the forest.
- Lātrō pecuniam meam rapuit.The robber seized my money.
- Vidimus lātrōne per viam currere.We saw a robber running through the road.
Example conversation
Lucius and Julia are discussing a crime in the market.
- LuciusJulia, vīde! Lātrō hīc est!Julia, look! The robber is here!
- JuliaUbi est ista scelerātus?Where is that wicked man?
- LuciusLātrō ad portam currit!The robber is running to the gate!
- JuliaVocemus custōdēs statim!Let us call the guards immediately!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “robber” translations, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
