Definition of "thug" in English

noun

1. A person who is a member of a gang or criminal organization.

2. A violent, aggressive, or truculent person.

3. A criminal that extorts people.

4. A person who use intimidation to coerce others.

5. (historical) One of a band of assassins formerly active in northern India who worshipped Kali and sacrificed their victims to her.

6. (African-American Vernacular) One who, usually as a result of social disadvantage, has turned to committing crimes (e.g. selling drugs, robbery, assault, etc.) to make a living; a gangsta.

7. (horticulture) An overvigorous plant that spreads and dominates the flowerbed.

8. A wooden bat used in the game of miniten, fitting around the player's hand.

verb

1. (informal, transitive) To commit acts of thuggery, to live the life of a thug, to menace, to commit crime.

2. (informal, transitive) (often with out) To appear as a thug; to dress and act in a manner reminiscent of a thug.