Bandit

/ˈbændɪt/

nounBeginnerCommonGeneral

Definitions

1

A member of a gang of robbers.

/ˈbændɪt/

nounnegativeBeginner
General

A robber or outlaw, especially one belonging to a gang.

The bandits held the town hostage.

💡 Simply: A bad person who robs others.

More Examples

2

A notorious bandit was finally captured by the police.

How It's Used

Literature

"The bandit ambushed the stagecoach."

History

"Robin Hood was a legendary bandit."

From French *bandit*, from Italian *bandito*, past participle of *bandire*, "to banish, proclaim," from Proto-Italic *bannīre*. Ultimately related to words meaning "to call, proclaim."

The word 'bandit' has been used for centuries to describe outlaws and robbers, often in contexts of adventure and romanticized crime.

Memory tip

Think of a 'band' of robbers, operating outside the law.

Base: bandit
bandittbandidbandiet

Usage

20%Spoken
80%Written