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.

---

gangsterism British  

/ ˈɡæŋstərɪzəm /

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of gangsterism

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

Example Sentences

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

But even being able to "denounce gangsterism" had meant having to learn a vocabulary and way of communicating he had never acquired growing up.

From BBC • Jun. 15, 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

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

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 2001 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency