bust

When the word "bust" is used as a verb, it means to break something or arrest someone.

The police busted him for dealing drugs. He got busted. bust = arrest
When he dropped the bottle on the floor, it busted. He busted the bottle. bust = break
Note: Be careful when using the word "bust" to mean break. Often, the word "break" is better.

When the word "bust" is used as a noun, there are a few other meanings for the word to consider:

The police made the bust at the suspect’s home. bust = an arrest
This is a bust of the Roman emperor Tiberius. Many museums contain busts of famous people. bust = the sculpted head of a person
The dress she’s wearing shows off her bust. bust = a woman’s chest

Note: This word also refers to a situation that turns out to be worthless:

• The event was a bust. (Few people showed up.)

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May 20, 2014