ruffian Definition
a violent, lawless person; a tough or rowdy person.
Using ruffian: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ruffian" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The ruffian was arrested for assaulting a police officer.
Example
He was known to be a ruffian in his youth.
Example
The gang of ruffians caused chaos in the streets.
Example
The ruffian threatened to harm anyone who crossed him.
ruffian Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using ruffian
Example
Although he had reformed his ways, he remained a ruffian at heart.
a ruffian's den
a place where ruffians gather or hang out
Example
The abandoned warehouse had become a ruffian's den, with drug deals and other illegal activities taking place inside.
a ruffian's laugh
a loud, coarse, and unpleasant laugh
Example
The ruffian's laugh echoed through the alleyway, sending shivers down the spine of anyone who heard it.
Phrases with ruffian
Example
The young ruffian was caught vandalizing the school property.
Example
The ruffianly behavior of the football fans led to several arrests.
the behavior or actions of a ruffian
Example
The town council passed a resolution condemning the ruffianism that had taken over the streets.
Origins of ruffian
from Middle French 'rufian', meaning 'pimp'
Summary: ruffian in Brief
'Ruffian' [ruhf-ee-uhn] refers to a violent, lawless person, often associated with tough or rowdy behavior. It can describe a person or a group, as in 'The gang of ruffians caused chaos in the streets.' The term extends into phrases like 'ruffianly behavior,' and idioms like 'a ruffian's den,' denoting a place where ruffians gather or hang out.
