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Bust: meaning, definitions and examples

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bust

 

[bʌst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

criminal

A police operation in which a group of officers seek to make many arrests for illegal activity.

Synonyms

operation, raid, swoop.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bust

In a different context, this word can mean to break something. This usage doesn't relate to law enforcement. It's slang and casual.

  • I accidentally busted my phone screen.
  • He busted his knee during the game.
raid

This word is used to refer to a sudden attack or seizure by law enforcement, military, or other authorities. It's about quick, forceful action. It can have a negative connotation when used by non-authorities.

  • The police carried out a raid on the warehouse.
  • They were caught in a raid by the tax authorities.
swoop

Often used to describe a quick and unexpected action by authorities, similar to 'raid' but can also imply speed and surprise. It's less formal than 'raid'.

  • The SWAT team made a swoop on the suspect's hideout.
  • The police swooped in and arrested him.
operation

This term is typically used to describe a planned series of actions carried out by law enforcement or the military. It is more formal and strategic in nature.

  • The FBI conducted a major operation to dismantle the cartel.
  • The rescue operation was successful.

Examples of usage

  • The police conducted a bust on the drug ring last night.
  • The bust resulted in the arrest of several suspects.
Context #2 | Noun

sculpture

A sculpture representing a person's head, shoulders, and chest.

Synonyms

figure, sculpture, statue.

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Word Description / Examples
bust

The word 'bust' can also mean a sudden financial failure or collapse, often used in a negative context to describe economic downturns.

  • The company went bust after losing its biggest client
  • There was a big housing market bust in 2008
statue

A 'statue' is a type of sculpture representing a person, animal, or mythical figure, often life-sized or larger. Statues are frequently used in public spaces as monuments or for decorative purposes.

  • The city erected a statue in honor of the war heroes
  • There is a famous statue of the Buddha in the temple
sculpture

A 'sculpture' is a three-dimensional artistic form made from materials like marble, wood, or metal. It can represent people, animals, objects, or abstract forms.

  • The park features a large abstract sculpture
  • She admired the intricate details of the marble sculpture
figure

A 'figure' can refer to a representation of a human or animal form in art, often used in a more general sense than 'sculpture' or 'statue.' It can also mean a silhouette or shape in other contexts.

  • The artist sketched a figure of a ballerina
  • In the distance, he could see the figure of a man

Examples of usage

  • The artist created a beautiful bust of Beethoven.
  • The museum displayed a collection of famous busts.
Context #3 | Verb

failure

To fail or collapse completely, typically in a financial or business context.

Synonyms

collapse, crash, fail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bust

Also can mean a sudden, complete failure or breakdown in general settings. Still carries a negative tone.

  • Their plans for a skydive adventure went bust due to bad weather.
collapse

Used in more serious contexts, often describing something that falls apart suddenly and completely, such as a structure or an organization.

  • The collapse of the bridge was a tragic event.
  • The housing market collapsed during the financial crisis.
fail

A general term for not achieving a goal. Can be used in various contexts, from personal achievements to business endeavours. Usually negative but not as severe as 'collapse' or 'crash'.

  • She failed her driving test three times.
  • The startup failed to secure additional funding.
crash

Typically used to describe a sudden drop in value or a complete failure of a system, such as financial markets, computer systems, or vehicles. Has a strong negative connotation.

  • The stock market crashed in 2008.
  • The computer system crashed, and we lost all the data.

Examples of usage

  • The company's expansion plans eventually led to its bust.
  • The real estate market boomed and then bust.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'bust' comes from the Italian word 'busto,' which referred to the upper part of the human body.
  • The word has been used in English since the 17th century, originally referring to sculptures and later expanded in meaning.
  • The term has evolved, including uses in slang to refer to breaking something or disappointment.

Art and Culture

  • Throughout history, busts have served as a way to commemorate leaders, philosophers, and artists by capturing their likeness.
  • Famous artists like Michelangelo and Rodin created iconic busts, showcasing their skill in capturing personality through stone.
  • In ancient Rome, busts were used to display the likeness of ancestors as a sign of respect and family lineage.

Fashion and Beauty

  • In fashion, the term 'bust' also refers to the measurement around a person’s chest or breasts, important for creating clothes that fit well.
  • In the beauty industry, focusing on enhancing or altering the bust has been a trend, reflecting cultural preferences over time.
  • The concept of 'bust' has also played a role in marketing beauty products aimed specifically at improving the appearance of the bust area.

Entertainment

  • The term is often used in movies and music, like in 'bust a move,' meaning to dance or act energetically.
  • In some contexts, bust can refer to a failure, such as a business venture that doesn't succeed, adding a playful twist to its usage.
  • Some slapstick comedy routines play on the word 'bust,' leading to humorous misunderstandings or physical gags.

Psychology

  • Busts in art often evoke emotions, prompting viewers to reflect on beauty, mortality, and human experience.
  • Research indicates that viewing art, including busts, can lead to increased empathy and understanding of different cultures and eras.
  • The way busts are perceived can be influenced by societal standards of beauty, which change over time.

Translations

Translations of the word "bust" in other languages:

🇵🇹 busto

🇮🇳 प्रतिमा

🇩🇪 Büste

🇮🇩 patung dada

🇺🇦 бюст

🇵🇱 popiersie

🇯🇵 胸像 (きょうぞう)

🇫🇷 buste

🇪🇸 busto

🇹🇷 büst

🇰🇷 흉상 (hyungsang)

🇸🇦 تمثال نصفي

🇨🇿 busta

🇸🇰 busta

🇨🇳 胸像 (xiōngxiàng)

🇸🇮 doprsni kip

🇮🇸 brjóstmynd

🇰🇿 бюст

🇬🇪 ბიუსტი

🇦🇿 büst

🇲🇽 busto

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,730, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.