bandit

[ ban-dit ]

noun

, plural ban·dits or (Rare) ban·dit·ti [ban-, dit, -ee].

1. a robber, especially a member of a gang or marauding band.

   Synonyms: desperado, brigand

2. an outlaw or highwayman.

   Synonyms: desperado, brigand

3. Informal.
   1. a person who takes unfair advantage of others, as a merchant who overcharges; swindler; cheat.
   2. a vendor, cab driver, etc., who operates a business or works without a required license or permit, and without observing the usual rules or practices.
4. Military Informal. an enemy aircraft, especially an attacking fighter.

bandit

/ ˈbændɪt /

noun

1. a robber, esp a member of an armed gang; brigand

Derived Forms

• ˈbanditry, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of bandit¹

First recorded in 1585–95; earlier bandetto, plural banditti, from Italian banditi “outlaws,” plural of bandito “proscribed,” past participle of bandire “banish, exile, announce publicly,” from Gothic bandwjan “to make a sign, indicate” ( band ¹ ) with verb suffix -ire, from Latin -īre

Word History and Origins

Origin of bandit¹

C16: from Italian bandito , literally: banished man, from bandire to proscribe, from bando edict, ban ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. make out like a bandit, Slang. to be extremely successful; profit greatly:

   The early investors in the company have made out like bandits.

Example Sentences

But he was killed on his third trip in an ambush by bandits.

From BBC

Authorities are searching for a masked bandit who shot at a bank teller in Lake Forest before making off with $31,000.

From Los Angeles Times

During interrogation, Chessman implicated himself in the bandit’s crimes, though he claimed police beat the confession out of him.

From Los Angeles Times

“All of the characters are coven-less witches so we are all loners, misfits and bandits who come together for this common goal of achieving our dreams,” said Zamata.

From Los Angeles Times

"What are the Kenyans waiting for to act against the bandits?," asked local news outlet AyiboPost in an article posted to X on 11 July, a fortnight after the East Africans landed.

From BBC

Related Words

• criminal
• gangster
• hooligan
• marauder
• mobster
• outlaw
• pirate
• raider
• robber