road agent

Thân thiện

A stagecoach driver hands over a strongbox to a masked road agent.

Definition

Noun: A road agent is a robber, specifically a holdup person who stops vehicles (such as stagecoaches or cars) on a road to steal from them. This term has historical connotations, often associated with the American Old West.

Usage

The term is used to describe a specific type of thief who operates by ambushing travelers on roads. * The stagecoach was held up by a notorious road agent. * In the 19th century, road agents were a constant threat to mail carriers.

Advanced Usage

• The term is largely historical or literary. In modern contexts, similar criminals might be called "highway robbers" or "carjackers," depending on the method.
• It can be used figuratively to describe someone who aggressively takes something from others in a direct, confrontational manner.

Variants and Related Words

• Highwayman (n): A historical term for a robber who stole from travelers on highways, often on horseback. Very similar to "road agent."
• Bandit (n): A more general term for a robber or outlaw, especially one who is part of a gang.

Synonyms

• Highway robber
• Holdup man
• Brigand
• Desperado (specifically in a Western context)

Related Phrases

• To hold up: To rob someone or something using the threat of force.
  • The masked men held up the bank.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a holdup man who stops a vehicle and steals from it

Từ đồng nghĩa

• highjacker
• highwayman
• hijacker