Stick-Up

A stick-up is a colloquial term for an armed robbery, particularly one committed against a person or small business, such as a store or bank. The term implies the use of a weapon, often a gun or other object brandished to intimidate the victim into surrendering valuables. The phrase "stick 'em up," meaning "raise your hands," is often associated with this type of crime, reinforcing the act of coerced submission to the perpetrator's demands. The act of a stick-up constitutes a serious felony, typically involving significant penalties upon conviction, including lengthy prison sentences. The severity of the penalties is often dependent on factors such as the type of weapon used, the amount of money or property stolen, and any injuries inflicted upon the victim.