bust
2bust
verbbust·ed also bustbust·ing
Definition of BUST
transitive verb
1
a : to break or smash especially with force; also : to make inoperative <busted my watch> b : to bring an end to : break up <helped bust trusts — Newsweek> —often used with up <better not try to bust up his happy marriage — Forbes> c : to ruin financially d : exhaust, wear out —used in phrases like bust one's butt to describe making a strenuous effort e : to give a hard time to —often used in phrases like bust one's chops
2
: tame <bronco busting>
3
: demote
intransitive verb
1
: to go broke
2
a : burst <laughing fit to bust> b : break down
3
a : to lose at cards by exceeding a limit (as the count of 21 in blackjack) b : to fail to complete a straight or flush in poker
See Examples of BUST
- He busted his watch when he fell.
- I think the camera is busted.
- Police busted 12 gang members on weapons charges.
- She got busted for drug possession.
- Two students got busted by the teacher for smoking in the bathroom.
Origin of BUST
alteration of burst
First Known Use: 1806
Related to BUST
Learn More About BUST
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: bustamente furnace
Previous Word in the Dictionary: bussy
All Words Near: bust
Previous Word in the Dictionary: bussy
All Words Near: bust
Seen & Heard 
What made you want to look up bust? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
