Bandits have played significant roles in history and folklore, often seen as rebels or outcasts. They have appeared in numerous stories, from the Robin Hood legends to portrayals in Western movies, where bandits are often the central antagonists. The term "bandit" is not only used to describe criminals but can also evoke a sense of adventure or rebellion, reflecting the complex nature of lawlessness and justice in different cultures. Despite the negative connotations associated with banditry, these figures have frequently been depicted in a way that challenges the traditional notion of good and evil.
Word 'Bandit' in Other Languages
- Bandit in Assamese অসমীয়া
- Bandit in Bengali বাংলা
- Bandit in Bodo बड़ो
- Bandit in Dogri डोगरी
- Bandit in English
- Bandit in Gujarati ગુજરાતી
- Bandit in Hindi हिन्दी
- Bandit in Kannada ಕನ್ನಡ
- Bandit in Kashmiri कॉशुर
- Bandit in Konkani कोंकणी
- Bandit in Maithili মৈথিলী
- Bandit in Malayalam മലയാളം
- Bandit in Manipuri মৈতৈলোন্
- Bandit in Marathi मराठी
- Bandit in Nepali नेपाली
- Bandit in Oriya ଓଡ଼ିଆ
- Bandit in Punjabi ਪੰਜਾਬੀ
- Bandit in Sanskrit संस्कृतम्
- Bandit in Santali
- Bandit in Sindhi سنڌي
- Bandit in Tamil தமிழ்
- Bandit in Telugu తెలుగు
- Bandit in Urdu اُردُو
Bandit
Part of Speech
Noun
Pronunciation
/ˈbændɪt/
Definitions
- Noun: A person who commits robbery or engages in violent crime, typically as part of a group or gang.
- Noun: A member of a group of outlaws, often in a rural or wilderness setting, who engages in illegal activities such as stealing or ambushing travelers.
- Noun: (in historical contexts) A criminal or outlaw, often associated with brigandage, especially in the context of old Westerns or medieval times.
Usage Examples
- The bandit held up the bank in broad daylight.
- Legendary outlaws, like Jesse James, were often seen as bandits in American history.
- The group of bandits was notorious for robbing trains along the old railway route.
Etymology
The word "bandit" comes from the Italian word "bandito," which originally meant "outlaw" or "banished person." The root "bandito" comes from the Latin "banditus," meaning "to summon" or "to declare," referencing someone who was declared an outlaw by a local authority. The term evolved over time and began to refer specifically to criminals who engaged in robbery and violence, particularly in groups or bands.
Synonyms
- Outlaw
- Robber
- Thief
- Brigand
- Criminal
Antonyms
- Law-abiding citizen
- Hero
- Defender
- Protector
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Spanish | Bandidos | ban-dee-dos |
| French | Bandit | ban-dee |
| German | Bandit | ban-deet |
| Italian | Bandito | ban-dee-toh |
| Portuguese | Bandido | ban-dee-doo |
| Hindi | डाकू (Daaku) | daa-koo |
| Marathi | डाकू (Daaku) | daa-koo |
| Arabic | لص (Liss) | liss |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 强盗 (Qiángdào) | chee-ang-dao |
| Russian | Разбойник (Razboynik) | raz-boy-nik |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- UK English: /ˈbændɪt/
- US English: /ˈbændɪt/
- Australian English: /ˈbændɪt/
Historical Usage
Historically, bandits were often romanticized in literature and film, particularly in the context of Western movies where they were depicted as outlaws robbing trains or banks. In medieval times, bandits were sometimes seen as freedom fighters or rebels, especially in regions with political unrest. The image of the "bandit" was often shaped by cultural narratives, and in some parts of the world, such as the Wild West in the US, bandits were viewed as antiheroes.
Cultural Nuances
In some cultures, the word "bandit" carries a sense of respect or admiration for those who resist oppression, often viewed as rebellious figures standing against authority. In contrast, in modern contexts, the term is usually associated with criminality and lawlessness. Bandits were often romanticized in popular media, where they were depicted as figures of charm and danger, sometimes evading capture and becoming legends in their own time.