mugger
The mugger grabbed her bag and ran down the alley.
The attacker snatched her bag and fled.
A person who commits mugging, typically by threatening or using violence to steal from someone in public.
Police arrested the mugger after he stole a woman's phone in broad daylight.
The attacker was caught after snatching a phone from a woman during the day.
The mugger threatened the victim with a knife before taking their wallet.
The robber used a weapon to intimidate the person before stealing their money.
Often implies a sudden, violent theft in a public place. Contrast with 'robber,' which can refer to any thief, including those who commit burglary.
Collocations
Synonyms
Pro Tip
Distinguish mugger from robber
A mugger typically confronts the victim face-to-face in public, while a robber may target homes, businesses, or use less direct methods. Think of 'mugger' as street-level violence.
Gold Rule
Context matters
Use 'mugger' only when violence or direct threat is involved in a theft. For non-violent theft, use 'thief' or 'pickpocket.'
Word Origin
From 'mug' (slang for face, from 18th-century 'mug' meaning grotesque face) + '-er' (agent suffix), originally referring to someone who threatens to smash a victim's face if they resist. First recorded in the late 17th century as 'mugger' meaning a person who makes faces.
Usage Notes
The term is specific to theft involving direct confrontation or threat. Avoid using it for non-violent theft (e.g., pickpocketing). In legal contexts, 'mugger' is often distinguished from 'robber' in some jurisdictions, though the words are frequently used interchangeably in everyday speech.