1 B2 informal
To enter a place by force, often by breaking a door or lock.
"The police busted in after receiving reports of a disturbance on the third floor."
bust in
B2 informal intransitive
To enter a place suddenly and forcefully, often by breaking something; also to interrupt.
In plain English
To suddenly push or break your way into a place.
What does "bust in" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To interrupt a conversation or activity suddenly and rudely.
"Sorry to bust in, but there's a call for you on line two."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bust (break) and come in.
Actually means
To suddenly push or break your way into a place.
Usage tip
More informal than 'burst in' or 'break in'. Common in American English. Often implies physical force (busting a lock or door) or an aggressive, uninvited interruption of a conversation.
Words that pair with "bust in"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
door room conversation police apartment meeting
How to conjugate "bust in"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bust in
I/you/we/they
3rd person
busts in
he/she/it
Past simple
busted in
yesterday
Past participle
busted in
have + pp
-ing form
busting in
continuous
Hear "bust in" in the wild
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Other ways to say "bust in"
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