English Meaning & Definitions
A person who attacks and robs another person in a public place, typically using violence or the threat of violence.
- “The victim was cornered in a dark alleyway by a mugger demanding her purse.”
- “Police have increased patrols in the park following a series of attacks by a local mugger.”
A large crocodile found in freshwater habitats in the Indian subcontinent.
- “The mugger crocodile is known for its ability to travel long distances over land in search of water.”
- “We spotted a large mugger basking on the riverbank during our safari.”
Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown
Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “mugger”.
Originating in the mid-19th century, the term derives from the verb 'mug' (to rob), which itself likely stems from the 18th-century slang 'mug' meaning 'face'—implying that the victim was grabbed by the face or head during the assault. A secondary, unrelated etymology refers to the 'mugger crocodile' (Crocodylus palustris), derived from the Hindi word 'magar', meaning 'water monster'.
A 'mugger' is someone who wants your 'mug' (slang for face) to look at the ground while they take your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions About “mugger”
1. What is the meaning of “mugger” in English?
In English, mugger (noun) is defined as: “A person who attacks and robs another person in a public place, typically using violence or the threat of violence.”.
2. How do you use “mugger” in a sentence?
“The victim was cornered in a dark alleyway by a mugger demanding her purse.”
3. What are English synonyms of “mugger”?
4. What is the etymology and word origin of “mugger”?
Originating in the mid-19th century, the term derives from the verb 'mug' (to rob), which itself likely stems from the 18th-century slang 'mug' meaning 'face'—implying that the victim was grabbed by the face or head during the assault. A secondary, unrelated etymology refers to the 'mugger crocodile' (Crocodylus palustris), derived from the Hindi word 'magar', meaning 'water monster'.
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