a grave robber

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a grave robber" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who illegally removes bodies or valuables from graves, often in a historical or fictional context. Example: "The story revolved around a notorious grave robber who unearthed ancient artifacts from forgotten tombs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

More simply, I am a grave robber.

Independent

It turned out he was a grave robber.

Independent

In addition to the former convict (a grave robber, by the way), the head of Maine's turkey federation once came.

The New York Times - Food

For "Garden State," he portrayed a grave robber who also managed to serve as the moral center of the film.

The New York Times

Last year, a grave robber took reproductions of Tiffany windows from a mausoleum in Flushing, and in 2001 a gang stole 17 windows from historic homes in Newark.

The New York Times

Many of his works tell stories of people who have been left behind in the nation's rush to economic and political prominence, characters that include prostitutes, a grave robber, and a lavatory attendant.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

To hard-done-by shareholders and to the employees of companies that he has brought back from the dead, Mr Klesch is a saviour; to many others, he is a grave-robber picking over corporate cadavers.As Klesch & Co's sole owner, Mr Klesch declines to disclose profits; most of the investments have done well, he says, and all are still trading.

The Economist

A renowned expert on Tiffany stained glass was sentenced yesterday to 27 months in federal prison for conspiring with a Queens grave robber and an antiques dealer to pilfer rare stained-glass windows from cemetery mausoleums and sell them overseas at a large profit.

The New York Times

Much later in the 1860s, a professional grave robber for the Medical College of Ohio in Cincinnati became incensed at tricks played on him by medical students.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

He no longer sits in on the trial — at an earlier hearing, he quarrelled with a tombarolo, or grave robber, who was serving as a prosecution witness — but he likes to chat with reporters outside the courtroom.

The New Yorker

Explicit, negative judgements occur in the Physiologus, where the animal is depicted as a hermaphrodite and grave robber.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing historical fiction or crime stories, use "a grave robber" to add authenticity and specificity to the character's actions. Consider the historical context, as methods and motivations varied across time periods.

Common error

Avoid using "a grave robber" interchangeably with terms like "tomb raider" or "body snatcher" without considering the context. While related, they have nuanced differences in meaning and historical usage. "Body snatcher" specifically refers to someone stealing corpses for medical purposes, whereas "tomb raider" often implies a focus on stealing artifacts from ancient tombs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grave robber" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a subject or object within a sentence. It identifies an individual who commits the act of robbing graves. Ludwig examples show its use in historical contexts and fictional narratives.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a grave robber" is a noun phrase used to describe someone who steals from graves, often for valuables or corpses. As indicated by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and understandable, although the related term of "a tomb raider" specifically refers to those who steal from ancient tombs. The frequency of the expression is uncommon, and Ludwig examples demonstrate its presence primarily in news and media, and wiki. When using the phrase, consider its historical and cultural implications, and avoid using it interchangeably with more specific terms like "a body snatcher" without understanding the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tomb raider

Focuses specifically on robbing tombs, often ancient ones, for valuable artifacts.

a plunderer of tombs

Similar to tomb raider, emphasizing the act of looting valuables.

a grave plunderer

Emphasizes the act of taking valuables from a grave.

a body snatcher

Specifically refers to someone who steals corpses, often for medical research.

a resurrectionist

Historical term for someone who exhumed bodies for the purpose of selling them to medical schools.

a corpse thief

Directly refers to the stealing of corpses.

a desecrator of graves

Highlights the act of defiling or showing disrespect for graves.

a cemetery robber

Focuses specifically on robbing items inside cemeteries.

a cemetery vandal

Broader term encompassing any damage or destruction within a cemetery, not necessarily theft.

an artifact looter

Focuses on the theft of historical or cultural artifacts, which may or may not be from graves.

FAQs

What is the difference between "a grave robber" and "a tomb raider"?

While both steal from the deceased, "a grave robber" generally refers to someone who steals from more recent graves, often for valuables or the body itself. "A tomb raider" typically targets ancient tombs for artifacts and historical treasures.

Is it correct to use "a grave robber" to describe someone who steals bodies for medical research?

While technically correct, "a body snatcher" is a more specific and historically accurate term for someone who steals corpses for medical research, especially in the 18th and 19th centuries.

What are some synonyms for "a grave robber" that emphasize the disrespect towards the dead?

Synonyms that highlight the disrespectful aspect include "a desecrator of graves" or a "cemetery vandal". These terms emphasize the violation and defilement of the burial site.

How can I use "a grave robber" in a sentence?

You can use "a grave robber" in a sentence like this: "The old legend spoke of a ruthless "a grave robber" who plundered the local cemetery for jewels and gold teeth."