To avoid frightening away their patrons,store owners euphemistically refer to shoplifting as

A) burglary.
B) shrinkage.
C) rip-offs.
D) robbery.

Euphemistically

pertains to the use of a mild or indirect word or expression to replace one considered too harsh, blunt, or offensive.

Shrinkage

In retail, the loss of inventory due to factors like theft, damage, or error.

Shoplifting

The act of stealing goods from a store or retail establishment.