B1verbinformalcrime
US/bʌst/
UK/bʌst/
to break something, for police to catch people breaking the law, or, with 'go', for a business to fail
In context
I busted my phone screen when I dropped it on the stairs.
Police busted a gang that was selling fake concert tickets online.
The small restaurant went bust after only six months in business.
Words that go with bust
verb + noun
- bust the budgetOne expensive dinner could bust the budget.
verb + adjective
- get bustedHe got busted for selling fake tickets outside the stadium.
- bust openThe thieves busted the door open.
- go bustHundreds of small shops went bust during the crisis.
verb + preposition
- busted forHe got busted for speeding twice in one week.
verb + adverb
- bust down the doorFirefighters had to bust down the door to reach the child.