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Busted Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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busted

[หˆbสŒstษชd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

slang usage

Busted is a colloquial term often used to describe being caught in the act of doing something wrong or illegal. This term is frequently associated with law enforcement contexts, where an individual is apprehended or discovered while committing a crime. It can also imply failure or breakdown, as in 'the machine is busted.' Overall, the term carries a connotation of wrongdoing or exposure.

Synonyms

apprehended, caught, discovered.

Examples of usage

  • The thief was busted by the police.
  • I was busted cheating on the test.
  • He busted the door trying to break in.
Context #2 | Adjective

informal context

When used as an adjective, busted describes something that is broken or not functioning correctly. This can relate to physical objects like machines and appliances, as well as situations that are chaotic or out of control. The term often suggests irreparable damage or failure, indicating that the item in question is ineffective.

Synonyms

broken, damaged, nonfunctional.

Examples of usage

  • My phone is completely busted.
  • He has a busted knee from the accident.
  • The car is busted and needs repair.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • The term became widely known through popular TV shows and movies depicting crime and law enforcement, emphasizing the act of getting caught.
  • In hip-hop culture, 'busted' often refers to being caught in a dishonest act or being exposed for something hidden.

Psychology

  • Feeling 'busted' can induce stress and anxiety, often linked to the fear of consequences for oneโ€™s actions.
  • The experience of being caught can trigger strong emotional responses, such as embarrassment or guilt, affecting behavior in the future.

Literature

  • The word appears frequently in crime fiction and detective novels, often used to heighten tension when a character is discovered.
  • In children's literature, it is sometimes used humorously, depicting playful mischief rather than serious wrongdoing.

Law Enforcement

  • In police terminology, being 'busted' refers to an arrestโ€”this can happen for anything from minor infractions to serious crimes.
  • The act of 'busting' can also refer to police operations aimed at apprehending criminals during a sting operation.

Origin of 'busted'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Busted' originates from the verb 'bust,' which means to break or split.
  • The term gained popularity in the early 20th century, with 'bust' originally used in the sense of breaking something.
  • It evolved into slang for being caught in wrongdoing or being arrested by the 1970s.

The term 'busted' originates from the late 19th century, primarily deriving from the verb 'bust', which itself appears to have been influenced by earlier forms like 'burst'. The slang usage is particularly noted in American English, where it has adopted meanings in both legal and colloquial contexts. 'Bust' has roots in Old French 'boster', meaning to break, and evolved in various dialects to encompass both physical and informal implications of breaking down or failing. The evolution of the term further solidified its presence in pop culture, affecting how 'busted' is understood in everyday language, especially among younger generations.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,841, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.