Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˈhaɪweɪmæn/

Definitions

• Noun: A robber who ambushed travelers, especially on public roads or highways, typically during the 17th and 18th centuries.
• Figurative meaning: Someone who engages in illegal or unfair practices in a figurative sense, often in business or politics.

Usage Examples

• "The notorious highwayman robbed many travelers along the lonely roads."
• "He was often accused of being a highwayman in the political world, taking advantage of others for his own gain."

Etymology

The term "highwayman" originated in the 17th century, with "highway" referring to public roads and "man" denoting a person. The word specifically refers to criminals who would ambush and rob travelers on these highways. The practice of highway robbery was most prevalent in England, France, and America during the 1600s and 1700s.

Synonyms

• Bandit
• Robber
• Outlaw
• Thief
• Criminal

Antonyms

• Hero
• Benefactor
• Philanthropist
• Protector
• Law-abiding citizen

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciations of "highwayman" remain largely uniform across English-speaking regions, but regional accents may influence the exact sound of the word. For example, the "r" in "man" may be pronounced more distinctly in some dialects, like American English, compared to British English.

Historical Usage

The term "highwayman" was commonly used in the 17th and 18th centuries when robbers would ambush and rob travelers on isolated roads. The most famous highwayman in British history was Dick Turpin, who became a legendary figure. The term eventually became a metaphor for any kind of outlaws or criminals who operate in isolation.

Cultural Nuances

Highwaymen have been romanticized in literature and folklore, often depicted as dashing figures, though they were violent criminals. They are a popular theme in stories of the Wild West and in English ballads. In modern times, the term "highwayman" is less commonly used but still evokes the image of a lawless figure from history.

More Information

Highwaymen were once a common menace on the roads, particularly in the 17th and 18th centuries, when travel was dangerous and highways were poorly policed. The decline of highway robbery occurred with the advent of better road safety measures, the establishment of law enforcement, and the development of more secure means of travel. Today, the term is largely historical, but it still lives on in literature and popular culture as a symbol of rebellion and criminality.