noun
bravo
A violent criminal, often hired to kill.
The villain hires a bravo to attack his rival outside the palace.
Etymology
The Italian adjective could mean fierce or bold. Used as a noun, it names a violent man or hired thug, turning a quality of aggression into an occupation.
More examples
- Two armed bravos waited in the alley.
- The historical novel follows a notorious bravo.
- A hired bravo delivered the count's violent threat.
Forms
bravo · bravos · bravoes
Similar words
- assassin
- An assassin kills a targeted person; bravo is an older term for a violent thug or hired killer.