bandit

[ban-dit]

noun

plural

bandits ,

plural

banditti .

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

Other Word Forms

• banditry 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, to be extremely successful; profit greatly.

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

Example Sentences

A Northern California jewelry store that has been robbed twice since 2023 has turned to innovative methods to stop, deter and ultimately capture a series of armed bandits.

From Los Angeles Times

The picture about two affable bandits who have outlived their time became the highest-grossing Western in motion picture history and highlighted the duo’s near-perfect comic timing.

From Los Angeles Times

"The time for debates about the elections between Gbagbo and the 'bandit leader' is over," she said in an address to supporters.

From BBC

The Nigerian air force has killed scores of gunmen, known locally as "bandits", who were members of criminal gangs operating in Zamfara state, the military has said.

From BBC

In recent years, criminal gangs in the region, known in the country as bandits, have taken to kidnapping people as a means to raise money.

From BBC

Related Words

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