racketeer

[rak-i-teer]

noun

1. a person engaged in a racket.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in a racket.

racketeer

/ ˌrækɪˈtɪə /

noun

1. a person engaged in illegal enterprises for profit

verb

1. (intr) to operate a racket

Other Word Forms

• racketeering noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of racketeer¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; racket ¹ + -eer

Example Sentences

Last week, Lanni pleaded guilty to one count of racketeering conspiracy, according to court records.

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Nania has yet to enter a plea to racketeering charges filed in federal court, and it wasn’t clear if he had a lawyer who could speak for him.

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During the trial, jurors heard from three women, his two former girlfriends and a personal assistant, who described a culture within the empire that prosecutors likened to a mob-style racketeering operation.

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Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner are taking legal action to snuff out accusations that they are the subjects of a federal criminal racketeering investigation — claims publicized by the former’s ex-boyfriend Ray J.

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Four reputed members of a small North Hollywood gang, the Vanowen Street Locos, were charged with murder for hire and racketeering.

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Related Words

• extortionist 
• loan shark 
• mobster