burglar, rebel, traitor, robber
賊 centers on a person who takes or acts against rightful order: a burglar or robber who steals property, or a rebel or traitor who betrays a group or state.
賊 combines 貝 (shell, representing valuables) with 戎, which likely contributes both sound and the idea of armed force or destruction. Together they suggest using force to take valuables.
On the left, 貝 (shells/valuables) is being grabbed by the right side 戎, which looks like a weapon-wielding figure. Picture a burglar using force to steal treasure.
For ゾク, imagine a robber moving in a sneaky, zombie-like shuffle: zombie -> ゾク, and the thief creeps toward the valuables.
—
cuttlefish; squid
pirate
thief; robber; burglar; bandit
bandit; brigand
pirated edition; pirated version; bootleg copy
thief; robber; burglar
traitor (to one's country)
firefly squid (Watasenia scintillans); sparkling enope squid
rebel; traitor; insurgent
chivalrous thief
rebel army
mounted bandit (esp. in north-east China from the end of the Qing dynasty)
spear squid (Loligo bleekeri)
rebels against one's lord and one's parents; rebellious (treacherous) subject; traitor
remaining bandits; unconquered rebels; escaped thieves
violent robber; villain
swordtip squid (Photololigo edulis)
might is right; history is written by the victors; winners are always right and losers are always in the wrong; if you win you are the loyalist army, if you lose you are the rebel army
bandit; rebel
rebel