Trivia: three nearly identical verbs in Finnish

It all depends on context. The suggestion of criminality precludes any fine distinctions or strict readings. The meaning of course is actually distinguished by context as to the subject and object of the verb and not by a single unstressed vowel slurred over in common speech.

1. varastaa = to steal (or purloin)
2. varistaa = to lose (or shed as leaves)
3. varustaa = to equip or furnish or outfit

What all three verbs have in common is «varus» or “wares” in English, a common or similar word among many nations that trade.

Shoplifters “steal” wares, the store “loses” merchandise, and customers are “outfitted” or “furnished” with the goods, depending on context, paid for or not.

Namely, «varus» is something valuable, and the verb ending «-taa» or «-staa» indicates a “conversion” of something. This is another red-light district where you were presumably “outfitted” and actually paid for your outfit.

Here again, we are talking about “thieves in law” («varkaat lain puitteissa») who follow a “thieves’ code” («varkaiden laki» eli «rikollisten koodisto») in a land where there is, supposedly, “honor among thieves” («varkaiden kunnia» eli «kunnia varkaiden seassa»). I compare Finland to Russia in this respect, and there is a close border, at that.