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

See Examples For:

gangsterism

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

Far from whitewashing the Saudi regime, Ignatius depicts the royal court as a cockpit of rage, corruption, and respectable gangsterism.

From Salon ● Nov. 30, 2018

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

Like Malcolm X, he eventually saw them for what they were, hardline separatists whose ardour bordered on gangsterism, and he left, quietly, in 1975 to join the Sunni branch of Islam.

From The Guardian ● Jun. 4, 2016

There is no such thing as security for any nation—or any individual—in a world ruled by the principles of gangsterism.

From The Fireside Chats of Franklin Delano Roosevelt by Roosevelt, Franklin Delano