Ruffian

Pronunciation: /ˈrʌfiən/

Definitions of ruffian

noun a violent or brutal person, especially one involved in crime

Example Sentences

A1 The ruffian tried to steal the old woman's purse.

A2 The ruffian was arrested for causing a disturbance in the park.

B1 The ruffian was known for his violent behavior in the neighborhood.

B2 The ruffian was involved in a gang that terrorized the local community.

C1 The ruffian's criminal activities caught the attention of the police.

C2 The notorious ruffian was finally apprehended after years of evading the law.

Examples of ruffian in a Sentence

formal The authorities were able to apprehend the ruffian who had been causing trouble in the neighborhood.

informal I heard that ruffian got into a fight at the bar last night.

slang That ruffian is always causing trouble wherever he goes.

figurative The storm was like a ruffian, tearing through the town with no regard for anything in its path.

Grammatical Forms of ruffian

• plural: ruffians
• comparative: more ruffian
• superlative: most ruffian
• present tense: ruffian
• future tense: will ruffian
• perfect tense: have ruffianed
• continuous tense: is ruffianing
• singular: ruffian
• positive degree: ruffian
• infinitive: to ruffian
• gerund: ruffianing
• participle: ruffianed

Origin and Evolution of ruffian

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Middle English, Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'ruffian' originated from Middle English, derived from Old French 'rufien' meaning a pimp or a man of the underworld.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the word 'ruffian' evolved to refer to a violent or brutal person, often associated with criminal behavior or thuggish behavior.