Dictionary.com

gangbuster

[ gang-buhs-ter ]
/ ˈgæŋˌbʌs tər /
Save This Word!
noun Informal.
a law-enforcement officer who specializes in breaking up organized crime, often by forceful or sensational means.
someone or something having great impact, usually in a positive way.
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 Often gangbusters.
of or like a law-enforcement officer who uses rough, aggressive, or sensational tactics in fighting crime: The undercover agents avoided the gangbusters approach.
strikingly effective or successful: a gangbusters year for compact cars.
enthusiastic: I'm not gangbusters over the idea.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?
His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Idioms about gangbuster

    go gangbusters, to be extremely successful: The movie went gangbusters.
    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.

Origin of gangbuster

First recorded in 1935–40; gang1 + buster
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use gangbuster in a sentence

FEEDBACK