mugging

[muhg-ing]

noun

1. an assault or threat of violence upon a person, especially with intent to rob.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mugging¹

First recorded in 1840–50; mug + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He started mugging people by the age of 15.

From BBC

Embarrassed at living in chronic poverty — his school lunches often were mayonnaise sandwiches — he set out to remedy the situation, shoplifting, intimidating students for their lunch money, mugging people in the street.

From Los Angeles Times

“It is funny that the heaviest of all awards is given by actors — ’us what we do, it means so much,’” he said, mugging ponderous emotion.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a little too much mugging, italicizing and elbow-nudging, as if we might not be able to enjoy Sondheim’s unsparing wit on our own.

From Los Angeles Times

She said she had reported a mugging to the police and that a work mobile phone was one of the items that had been stolen.

From BBC

Related Words

• aggression 
• barrage 
• charge 
• incursion 
• intervention 
• intrusion 
• invasion 
• offensive 
• onslaught 
• outbreak 
• raid 
• rape 
• skirmish 
• strike 
• violation