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Definition of ruffian

ruffian

/ˈrʌf.i.ən/
ruf · fi · an
Plural:ruffians
•
Adjective:ruffianly
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ruffian Lexical Profile

ruffian Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A violent, wild, or lawless person, especially one involved in crime or bullying.

Example

"In the nineteenth-century novel, the traveler was accosted by a band of street ruffians near the docks."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Brutal, violent, lawless, or characteristic of a bully or hoodlum.

Example

"The mayor vowed to put an end to the ruffian behavior disrupting the peaceful town square."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for ruffian

• Nearby Words

ruff
ruffed
ruffed grouse
ruffian
ruffle
ruffly
rufiji

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 16th century from Middle French rufien ('pimp, paramour, bully'), from Old Italian ruffiano, likely derived from the Germanic root ruf- ('scab' or 'scurf') in reference to a coarse, filthy person.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Ruffian. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/ruffian
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