Busted

/ˈbʌs.tɪd/

Meaning & Definition

slang

informally used to refer to someone who has been caught or apprehended.

He got busted for speeding on the highway.

verb

past tense of 'bust'; to break something or to fail.

I accidentally busted the window with my baseball.

to catch someone in the act, often relating to illegal activity.

The police busted the gang involved in drug trafficking.

adjective

broken or damaged; no longer functioning.

My phone is completely busted after I dropped it.

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

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.

bust

to break or smash something.

bustle

to move in an energetic or noisy manner.

busty

having large breasts.

To be discovered in a compromising situation.

She was totally busted when her parents came home early.

To be out of money.

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