Meaning & Definition of word "Busted"

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    Busted

    /ˈbʌs.tɪd/

    verb:

    • 1. past tense of 'bust'; to break something or to fail.
      • Example: I accidentally busted the window with my baseball.
    • 2. to catch someone in the act, often relating to illegal activity.
      • Example: The police busted the gang involved in drug trafficking.

    adjective:

    • 1. broken or damaged; no longer functioning.
      • Example: My phone is completely busted after I dropped it.

    slang:

    • 1. informally used to refer to someone who has been caught or apprehended.
      • Example: He got busted for speeding on the highway.

    Etymology

    The term 'bust' originates from the slang use of 'to bust', which means to break, and evolved into 'busted' as a past participle.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    busted flat:

    to be flat broke or out of money.

    busted up:

    to be injured or damaged severely.

    getting busted:

    to be caught doing something illegal or inappropriate.

    Related Words

    bust:

    to break or smash something.

    bustle:

    to move in an energetic or noisy manner.

    busty:

    having large breasts.

    Slang Meanings of busted

    Meaning: To be discovered in a compromising situation.

    Example Sentence: She was totally busted when her parents came home early.

    Meaning: To be out of money.

    Example Sentence: After paying the bills, I'm completely busted this week.