gangbuster

[gang-buhs-ter]

noun

Informal.

1. a law-enforcement officer who specializes in breaking up organized crime, often by forceful or sensational means.

2. someone or something having great impact, usually in a positive way.

3. gangbusters, an outstandingly successful state or situation.

   We aren't looking for gangbusters, but we'd like you to pass all your subjects this semester.

adjective

1. of or like a law-enforcement officer who uses rough, aggressive, or sensational tactics in fighting crime.

   The undercover agents avoided the gangbusters approach.

2. strikingly effective or successful.

   a gangbusters year for compact cars.

3. enthusiastic.

   I'm not gangbusters over the idea.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gangbuster¹

First recorded in 1935–40; gang ¹ + buster

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. like gangbusters, with great speed, intensity, vigor, impact, or success.

   The software market was growing like gangbusters. The hockey team came on at the beginning of the season like gangbusters.

2. go gangbusters, to be extremely successful.

   The movie went gangbusters.

Example Sentences

He wanted audiences to fall in love with the singular daffiness of his former girlfriend and it worked like gangbusters.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It’ll play like gangbusters in a crowded theater and you should watch it there to appreciate its excellent use of surround sound.

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The Long Beach port was dedicated in 1911, and like Southern California itself, went like gangbusters.

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Climate change is allowing Aedes mosquitoes — and diseases they spread — to move into new areas and go gangbusters in places where they’re established.

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Slanting the dialogue of a major theatrical gangbuster toward hesitation or negativity only feeds the slop machine.

Read more on Salon