1. violent or lawless people who engage in rough, criminal behavior

Examples

• The ruffians broke into the store and stole everything they could carry.
• Police arrested three ruffians who had been terrorizing the neighborhood.
• The peaceful protest was disrupted by a group of ruffians.
• Local merchants hired security guards to keep ruffians away from their shops.
• The ruffians were known for starting fights at the tavern.
• Parents warned their children to stay away from the ruffians who hung around the park.