Rob vs. Mug: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
Rob refers to stealing by force or threat, while mug specifically means to assault someone with the intent to rob them.
Key Differences
Rob is a term used to describe the act of stealing from a person or place, often involving force or intimidation, whereas mug specifically refers to attacking someone with the intent of robbery, usually in a public space. Both terms imply a form of theft, but mugging is more specific in its method.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
When someone is robbed, they are deprived of personal property through force or threat. In contrast, to mug someone means to attack them physically, typically in an outdoor setting, with the aim of stealing. Robbery can occur in various settings, while mugging is more specific in context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Robbing can be associated with various crimes, from burglary to armed theft, but mugging is distinctly an act of street crime. Both involve illegal seizure of property, but mugging is directly linked to personal assault.
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Dec 02, 2023
The legal consequences of robbing and mugging differ, with mugging often considered more severe due to its violent nature. Both are punishable by law, but mugging carries the additional element of physical assault.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
In terms of prevention, security measures against robbery can include alarms and secure locks, while avoiding mugging might involve staying in well-lit, populated areas. Both require awareness and precaution, but different strategies are employed to prevent each.
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Dec 02, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Stealing by force or threat
Assaulting to steal, usually in public
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Dec 02, 2023
Legal Classification
Broad, varies by jurisdiction
Often considered more severe due to assault
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Dec 02, 2023
Prevention Strategies
Security systems, vigilance
Avoiding secluded areas, staying in groups
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Dec 02, 2023
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Rob and Mug Definitions
Mug
To assault with intent to rob
He was mugged in a dark alley and lost his phone.
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Dec 02, 2023
Mug
To make faces, especially comically
She mugged for the camera during the photoshoot.
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Dec 02, 2023
Rob
(Law) To take property from (a person) illegally by using or threatening to use violence or force; commit robbery upon.
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Oct 19, 2023
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Mug
To photograph someone's face
His mug was taken for the company's ID card.
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Dec 02, 2023
Rob
To steal something from (a place, vehicle, or institution, for example)
Bandits robbed the train.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
To deprive unjustly of something belonging to, desired by, or legally due (someone)
Robbed her of her professional standing.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
To deprive of something injuriously
A parasite that robs a tree of its sap.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
(transitive) To steal from, especially using force or violence.
He robbed three banks before he was caught.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
(transitive) To deprive of, or withhold from, unjustly or injuriously; to defraud.
The best way to rob a bank is to own one.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
To deprive (of).
Working all day robs me of any energy to go out in the evening.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
To threaten or assault (a person) with the intent to rob
Arrested the thief who mugged the tourists.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
To make exaggerated facial expressions, especially for humorous effect
The partygoers mugged for the camera.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
A large cup for beverages, usually having a handle and used without a saucer.A mug
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
A syrup made of evaporating fruit juice over a fire, usually mixed with sugar or honey, and especially used for medicinal purposes.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
The inspissated juice of ripe fruit, obtained by evaporation of the juice over a fire till it acquires the consistence of a sirup. It is sometimes mixed with honey or sugar.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
A gullible or easily-cheated person.
He's a gullible mug – he believed her again.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
To take (something) away from by force; to strip by stealing; to plunder; to pillage; to steal from.
Who would rob a hermit of his weeds,His few books, or his beads, or maple dish?
He that is robbed, not wanting what is stolen,Let him not know it, and he's not robbed at all.
To be executed for robbing a church.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
To take the property of (any one) from his person, or in his presence, feloniously, and against his will, by violence or by putting him in fear.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Rob
To deprive of, or withhold from, unjustly or injuriously; to defraud; as, to rob one of his rest, or of his good name; a tree robs the plants near it of sunlight.
I never robbed the soldiers of their pay.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
To take that which belongs to another, without right or permission, esp. by violence.
I am accursed to rob in that thief's company.
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
Take something away by force or without the consent of the owner;
The burglars robbed him of all his money
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Oct 19, 2023
Rob
To plunder during war or riot
The invaders robbed villages of their resources.
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Dec 02, 2023
Mug
(intransitive) To exaggerate a facial expression for communicative emphasis; to make a face, to pose, as for photographs or in a performance, in an exaggerated or affected manner.
The children weren't interested in sitting still for a serious photo; they mugged for the camera.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
To learn or review a subject as much as possible in a short time; cram.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
A kind of ceramic or metal drinking cup, with a handle, - usually cylindrical and without a lip.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
The face or mouth; as, I don't want to see your ugly mug again; - often used contemptuously.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
To take property from (a person) in a public place by threatening or committing violence on the person who is robbed; to rob, especially to rob by use of a weapon such as a knife or gun.
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
The human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
Rob at gunpoint or with the threat of violence;
I was mugged in the streets of New York last night
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Oct 19, 2023
Mug
To overact or exaggerate expression
The actor mugged through his entire performance.
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Dec 02, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is robbing always violent?
No, robbery can be committed with or without physical violence.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can you be charged with robbery for stealing without violence?
Yes, if there's a threat or force involved, even without violence.
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Dec 02, 2023
What does it mean to rob a bank?
It means to illegally take money or valuables from a bank, typically using force or threat.
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Dec 02, 2023
Are mugging victims always injured?
Not always, but the risk of injury is high due to the violent nature of mugging.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can you mug someone without stealing?
No, mugging inherently involves both assault and theft.
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Dec 02, 2023
Do muggings only happen at night?
No, they can happen at any time, though they are more common at night.
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Dec 02, 2023
Is physical contact necessary for a mugging?
Physical assault is a defining feature of mugging.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can robbery happen in one's own home?
Yes, it can occur anywhere, including private residences.
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Dec 02, 2023
Is it robbery if nothing is taken?
An attempt to rob still constitutes robbery, even if nothing is taken.
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Dec 02, 2023
Is pickpocketing considered robbery?
It's a form of theft but not typically classified as robbery, which involves force or threat.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can a business be a victim of robbery?
Yes, businesses can be robbed just like individuals.
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Dec 02, 2023
Can mugging occur in crowded areas?
Yes, muggings can happen in both secluded and crowded places.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can someone be mugged online?
No, mugging specifically refers to a physical assault; online theft is a different crime.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Is mugging a type of robbery?
Yes, it's a specific form of robbery involving assault.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
What's the difference in legal penalties for robbing vs. mugging?
Mugging often carries harsher penalties due to its violent aspect.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Is it still mugging if the victim fights back?
Yes, the intent and act of assault for theft still classify it as mugging.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Are muggers always armed?
Not necessarily, but they often use some form of weapon or physical force.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Can the term 'mug' be used non-criminally?
Yes, it can also mean to make exaggerated facial expressions.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
Are all robberies planned in advance?
No, some robberies are opportunistic and not premeditated.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
What's the key element in robbery?
The key element is the unlawful taking of property through force or intimidation.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 02, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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