bust

[bʌst]

bust Definition

• 1. to break something
• 2. to arrest someone
• 3. a sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest
• 4. a failure

Using bust: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bust" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  He bust the vase while cleaning the room.

• Example

  The police busted the drug dealer in a sting operation.

• Example

  The museum had a collection of ancient Greek busts.

• Example

  The company went bust due to poor management.

bust Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for bust

• break
• smash
• crack
• apprehend
• capture
• sculpture
• statue
• flop
• failure
• bankruptcy

Antonyms for bust

• fix
• repair
• create
• success

Idioms Using bust

• go bust

  to become bankrupt or financially ruined

  Example

  The company went bust after the CEO embezzled funds.

• bust a gut

  to work extremely hard or make a great effort

  Example

  I've been busting a gut to finish this project on time.

• bust someone's balls

  to harass or tease someone in a persistent and annoying way

  Example

  My friends are always busting my balls about my taste in music.

Phrases with bust

• bust one's chops

  to criticize or nag someone

  Example

  My boss is always busting my chops about deadlines.

• bust a move

  to dance, especially in a showy or impressive way

  Example

  The DJ played some great music and everyone was busting a move on the dance floor.

• bust someone's bubble

  to ruin someone's hopes or dreams by revealing the truth

  Example

  I hate to bust your bubble, but you didn't get the job.

Origins of bust

from Old Norse 'bysta', meaning 'to break'

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Summary: bust in Brief

The term 'bust' [bʌst] has several meanings. As a verb, it can mean to break something or to arrest someone. As a noun, it can refer to a sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest or a failure. It also has various idiomatic expressions like 'bust one's chops' and 'bust a move.' 'Bust' can be used formally in contexts like sculpture and failure, and informally as 'broke' and 'flop.'