bust

The word “bust” means to break something, especially by force. In plain terms, break something, get caught/arrested, or (as a noun) a sculpture of someone's upper body — or, informally, having no money left.

“Bust” is pronounced buhst (/bʌst/ in IPA).

Here is “bust” used in a sentence: “He busted the lock trying to get into the shed.”

Depending on how it is used, “bust” can be a verb, a noun and an adjective.

The word “bust” comes from French. The verb comes from a Middle English variant of "burst," so bust and burst are historically the same word. The noun meaning "head-and-shoulders sculpture" or "chest measurement" comes from a separate root, French buste.

“Bust” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“Bust” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to break something, especially by force.

Burst is the standard verb for breaking open or apart suddenly, as in "the pipe burst." Bust is an informal alternative meaning to break something, especially by force. In formal writing, choose burst or break; bust suits casual speech.

Yes. In that sense, bust is the neutral, polite term, used especially in dressmaking and clothing sizes for the measurement around a woman's chest. This contrasts with the verb senses of bust — to break or to catch someone — which are informal.

Both forms are used. American English generally prefers busted, as in "he busted the lock," while British English often uses bust, as in "the washing machine is bust." Busted is the safer choice in most writing.