What term describes the act of knowingly obtaining or using someone else's property with the intent to deprive them of its use?

The term that describes the act of knowingly obtaining or using someone else's property with the intent to deprive them of its use is theft. Theft involves taking someone else's property without their permission, with the intention of permanently or temporarily depriving the owner of it. This can encompass a range of actions, from stealing a physical item to more covert methods of taking someone's property without their consent. The key components that define theft are the intent to act without the owner's permission and the purpose of depriving the owner of their property.

Robbery, by contrast, usually involves taking property through force or intimidation, which adds a layer of violence or threat that is not present in a straightforward theft. Burglary pertains to entering a building unlawfully with the intent to commit a crime inside, not necessarily involving theft itself. Fraud involves deceit or trickery to gain something of value, rather than direct theft of property. Understanding these definitions clarifies why theft is the most appropriate term for the action described in the question.