The word rob is used to describe the action of taking something from someone or somewhere through force, intimidation, or the threat thereof. It emphasizes the presence of a victim who is confronted by the perpetrator. Rob is particularly used when discussing theft from people, banks, stores, or other establishments.

Use the word steal primarily as a verb to describe the act of taking something that belongs to someone else without permission or legal right and without intending to return it. It implies an illegal or unethical activity that can range from petty theft to grand larceny.

Thus, the primary distinction between rob and steal lies in the nature of the act. Rob involves force or intimidation to take something directly from an individual or institution, often implicating a face-to-face encounter. Steal, conversely, connotes a sneakier, more surreptitious removal of property, largely without direct confrontation or the immediate knowledge of the victim. Understanding the nuances between these two terms can sharpen clarity in communication, especially when discussing law, crime, and security.