Busted

The state of being caught or discovered, usually after doing something wrong or illegal. It can also describe something broken, damaged, or not working. Figuratively, it can mean being demoted or failing. The context dictates the exact meaning, but a common thread is the disruption of a previous state of order or secrecy.

Busted meaning with examples

• The teenagers were Busted for sneaking into the concert; the security guard saw them climbing over the fence and called the police. They were issued tickets and grounded for a month.
• The antique vase was Busted when the movers dropped the box; the delicate porcelain shattered into a hundred pieces, ruining the expensive artifact and causing the owner great distress.
• After repeated violations of company policy, the manager was Busted down to a lower position with less responsibility, much to his humiliation.
• The government's scheme was Busted when a whistleblower released classified documents, revealing the corruption and leading to public outrage and investigations.