mugging

[ muhg-ing ]

noun

1. an assault or threat of violence upon a person, especially with intent to rob.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mugging¹

First recorded in 1840–50; mug + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

Still, Pig gives Cage “the time and space to be sincere once again, a rare experience for him and a rewarding one for us,” a performance that “shows that underneath the lazy mugging to the cheap seats, he’s still a soulful and careful actor.”

From Eater

We see photographs of him with his arm around Joan Jett, two punks mugging for the camera.

From The Daily Beast

Worse, all of this mugging business reminds Ross of when he was mugged as a child.

From The Daily Beast

Van Straubenzee had been talking to Prince Harry on his mobile when the mugging happened at about 7.15pm in Albert Bridge Road.

From The Daily Beast

The Wiesenthal Center has every right to build there and is the victim of a political mugging.

From The Daily Beast

They are almost always closer to mugging and burlesque than to acting.

From The Daily Beast

Her gang will be below playing cards or mugging-up or snoozing, and only two on deck seeing her home!

From Project Gutenberg

They were chortling, pointing at each other, mugging for the camera.

From Project Gutenberg

I do know a certain amount about harmony already; I have been mugging it up for the last three years.

From Project Gutenberg

The shotgun squad keeps the riots, the mugging, and all the humbug out.

From Project Gutenberg

Everyone admired Hill in a way, though the suspicion of “mugging” clung to him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• break in
• burglary
• crime
• embezzlement
• extortion
• fraud
• heist
• holdup
• larceny
• looting
• piracy
• robbery
• shoplifting
• thievery
• vandalism