gangsterism

American  

[gang-stuh-riz-uhm] / ˈgæŋ stəˌrɪz əm /

noun

1. the methods or behavior of gangsters.

2. the use of tactics associated with gangsters, as intimidation or violence, in order to achieve something.

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gangsterism British  

/ ˈɡæŋstərɪzəm /

noun

1. the culture of belonging to organized gangs of criminals, esp involving violence

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Etymology

Origin of gangsterism

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; gangster + -ism

Example Sentences

Karl managed to turn his life around and "from the age of 18 I began denouncing gangsterism and I was fortunate to get out".

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2023

Individual rights have been infringed on, money has been wasted, and gangsterism has flourished, while failing to protect the health of athletes.

From Washington Post • Aug. 4, 2016

After his ordination in 1945, he became associate director of the Xavier Institute of Labor Relations on West 16th Street, whose classes on labor organizing were aimed at inoculating union workers against gangsterism and communism.

From New York Times • Jun. 26, 2015

With a little help from Pharrell, Snoog Dogg moved away from the West Coast gangsterism of his early career and scored chart success while staying true to his G-funk roots on this chrome-sleek, Neptunes-produced hit.

From The Guardian • Aug. 7, 2012

The   transition has proven difficult as corrupt governments have tried to   deal with high unemployment, a dilapidated infrastructure,   widespread gangsterism, and disruptive political opponents.

From The 2003 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency