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

Snoopy and Charlie Brown, Master Chief from “Halo,” the dead wife from “Up” and Bandit, the dad dog from “Bluey,” end up in the mix.

From Los Angeles Times

Shortly after the theft was reported, NSW Police launched a special investigation into the incident codenamed Strike Force Bandit - after Bluey's father.

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

He suggested he knew who the “real” Bandit was, but refused to say.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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