Dictionary

ruffian

noun ruf·fi·an \ˈrə-fē-ən\

: a strong and violent person (especially a man) who threatens and hurts other people

Full Definition of RUFFIAN

: a brutal person : bully

— ruffian adjective

— ruf·fi·an·ism \-ə-ˌni-zəm\ noun

— ruf·fi·an·ly adjective

See ruffian defined for English-language learners

See ruffian defined for kids

Middle French rufian

First Known Use: 1531

Synonyms: bully, gangbanger, gangsta, gangster, goon, gorilla, hood, hooligan, mobster, mug, plug-ugly, punk, roughneck, rowdy, hoodlum, thug, tough, toughie (also toughy), yob [British], yobbo [British]

RUFFIAN Defined for Kids

noun ruf·fi·an \ˈrə-fē-ən\

: a violent and cruel person

Next Word in the Dictionary: ruffianishPrevious Word in the Dictionary: ruffed lemurAll Words Near: ruffian

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