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Bandit Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bandit

[หˆbรฆndษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

member of a gang

A bandit is a member of a gang that commits crimes, especially in remote or lawless areas. Bandits are often armed and dangerous.

Synonyms

outlaw, robber, thief.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bandit

Use when referring to someone who often steals in a violent or organized manner, particularly in rural or less civilized areas.

  • The bandit held the travelers at gunpoint and demanded their valuables.
  • A notorious bandit gang has been terrorizing the countryside.
outlaw

Refers to someone who has broken the law and is living outside society, often with a sense of romanticism or rebellion.

  • The outlaw was wanted in several states for his crimes.
  • Legends tell of outlaws who stood against corrupt officials.
robber

Describes someone who steals by force, threats, or by breaking into places, often associated with banks or stores.

  • The masked robber broke into the bank last night.
  • They installed security cameras to deter robbers.
thief

Used for someone who secretly steals without using violence, focusing more on the act of theft itself.

  • The thief managed to steal the wallet without anyone noticing.
  • Beware of pickpockets and thieves in crowded areas.

Examples of usage

  • The bandit robbed the travelers on the lonely road.
  • The bandit gang terrorized the small village for months.
Context #2 | Noun

informal term for a person who is considered to be dishonest or untrustworthy

In a more informal sense, a bandit can refer to a person who is considered to be dishonest or untrustworthy in their actions.

Synonyms

cheat, scammer, swindler.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bandit

Usually refers to a person who steals, often involving violence or threat. Often associated with historical or fictional characters like cowboys.

  • The bandits attacked the village and stole all the livestock
  • The cowboy outsmarted the bandits and saved the town
cheat

Refers to someone who acts dishonestly to gain an advantage, often in games, exams, or relationships. Can be used in various contexts including personal and professional scenarios.

  • He was caught cheating on his final exams
  • She felt betrayed when she found out he cheated on her
swindler

A person who uses lies or tricks to cheat people out of money or possessions. Often used in the context of cons and fraud.

  • The swindler tricked the elderly couple into investing in a fake business
  • He was exposed as a swindler and went to jail for his crimes
scammer

Describes someone who deceives others to get money or personal information, often through elaborate schemes. Has a negative connotation.

  • The scammer convinced her to give him her credit card information
  • Online scammers are getting more sophisticated every day

Examples of usage

  • Watch out for that guy, he's a real bandit when it comes to business deals.
  • She's a bandit when it comes to stealing your ideas and passing them off as her own.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Bandits are popular in movies and books, often portrayed as charming rogues or anti-heroes, like Robin Hood.
  • In video games, bandit themes appear frequently, from characters robbing players to entire game mechanics based on 'bandit' encounters.
  • The term influenced various songs and music genres, often depicting themes of crime and rebellion.

History

  • Historically, bandits often operated in war-torn areas or lawless regions, exploiting instability to their advantage.
  • During the American Wild West, outlaws were commonly referred to as bandits, with many notorious figures emerging during this time.
  • Pirates of the sea were also considered a form of bandit, looting merchant ships in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Psychology

  • The allure of the bandit archetype often appeals to the 'rebel' aspect of personality, reflecting a desire for adventure and freedom.
  • Studies suggest that stories featuring bandits can evoke empathy and moral questioning from audiences about justice and survival.
  • Engaging with bandit stories allows people to explore themes of risk and the consequences of rule-breaking.

Literature

  • Bandits appear in classic literature, like in 'The Count of Monte Cristo', where themes of revenge and justice intertwine.
  • In folklore, bandits are frequently featured in tales that explore the tension between the wealthy and the oppressed.
  • Contemporary novels often reimagine the bandit character, blending criminality with themes of redemption and social critique.

Origin of 'bandit'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'bandit' derives from the Italian word 'bandito', meaning 'outlaw' or 'disbanished'.
  • In Medieval times, bandits were often part of groups or 'bands', which is reflected in the word's origin.
  • The usage of 'bandit' in English began in the 16th century, mainly to refer to robbers in the countryside.

The word 'bandit' originated from the Italian word 'bandito', which means 'outlaw' or 'exiled'. It was first used in English in the early 17th century to refer to members of outlaw groups. Bandits have been romanticized in literature and film, often portrayed as daring and charismatic figures who live outside the law.

See also: band, bandage, banded, bands, bandwidth, disband.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,855, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.