Used for someone who betrays or rises against authority, often in historical or political contexts. Common in compounds like 逆賊 (rebel) or 反賊 (traitor).
He had his wallet stolen by a thief.
The warlord was killed as a rebel.
He was called a traitor who betrayed his country.
pirate
thief; robber; burglar; bandit
bandit; brigand; highwayman
traitor to one's country; enemy of the state
rebel; traitor; insurgent
chivalrous thief; noble bandit
rebel army; insurgent forces
mounted bandit; horse bandit
remaining bandits; unconquered rebels; escaped thieves
Standard kanji form; used in news and formal contexts.
The kanji 賊 originally depicted a person (貝) and a weapon (戈), suggesting harm or plunder. The reading ぞく is the on'yomi, used in many compounds.
violent robber; villain
bandit; rebel
rebel; insurgent
female bandit; female robber · woman who distracts men from truth
villain; traitor; scoundrel
big-time bandit; notorious pirate
roving robber; marauder
air pirate; sky pirate