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Busted: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿšจ
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busted

 

[ หˆbสŒstษชd ]

Verb / Adjective
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

Translations of the word "busted" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น pegos

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌusted

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช festgenommen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ditangkap

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัะฟั–ะนะผะฐะฝะธะน

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ zatrzymany

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๆ•ใพใฃใŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท attrapรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ atrapado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yakalanmฤฑลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ถ™์žกํžŒ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู‚ุจูˆุถ ุนู„ูŠู‡

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ chycenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ chytenรฝ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ขซๆ•

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ujet

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ gripin

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ าฑัั‚ะฐะปา“ะฐะฝ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒแƒžแƒแƒขแƒ˜แƒ›แƒ แƒ”แƒ‘แƒฃแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tutulmuลŸ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ atrapado

Word origin

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.