Mugger

/ˈmʌɡər/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A person who attacks and robs another, typically in a public place.

The police arrested a mugger who had been targeting pedestrians in the downtown area.

An individual who engages in an act of robbery, often with violence or intimidation.

Fear of being approached by a mugger kept many people off the streets after dark.

A person who uses aggressive tactics to obtain money or valuables from others.

Witnesses reported seeing a mugger fleeing the scene with a stolen purse.

The word 'mugger' is believed to derive from the verb 'to mug', originating in the slang of the late 19th century.

mugging off

To make fun of someone or to trick them in a playful way.

get mugged

To be robbed, especially forcefully or violently.

mug shot

A photograph taken of a person upon arrest, usually showing their face.

mug

To attack or assault someone, especially to rob them.

mugging

The act of assaulting someone to steal from them.

To mock or tease someone.

Stop mugging me; I'm not joking!

To pretend to steal or make a show of wanting to rob as a joke.

He was just mugging around, pretending to rob his friends for laughs.