piracy

/ˈpaɪrəsi/

/ˈpaɪrəsi/

Other forms: piracies

Piracy is a what pirates do: they steal stuff. If you plagiarize by stealing someone's words or ideas that’s piracy. Argh!

The original sense of piracy comes from pirates — thieves who hijack other boats, taking what they please. That should help you remember that piracy means to steal someone else's work, usually their words or ideas. A writer who doesn't cite their sources is committing piracy. Piracy is plagiarism, and it is legally and morally wrong.

Definitions of piracy

1. noun

   the act of plagiarizing; taking someone's words or ideas as if they were your own
   synonyms: plagiarisation, plagiarism, plagiarization

   type of:

   copyright infringement, infringement of copyright

   a violation of the rights secured by a copyright
2. noun

   hijacking on the high seas or in similar contexts; taking a ship or plane away from the control of those who are legally entitled to it
   “air piracy”

   synonyms: buccaneering

   type of:

   highjacking, hijacking

   robbery of a traveller or vehicle in transit or seizing control of a vehicle by the use of force