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. go gangbusters, to be extremely successful:

   The movie went gangbusters.

2. 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.

Example Sentences

Yet the latest gangbuster jobs data seemed to dampen those fears, at least for now.

From Washington Post

The mRNA vaccines give gangbuster levels of neutralizing antibodies, which help keep the coronavirus from infecting cells.

From Science News