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

"No, I've been too scared to watch it to be honest," said Love, frontman with Alabama 3, whose 1997 track Woke Up This Morning became the instantly recognisable song which cued up the everyday story of New Jersey gangsterism.

From BBC

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

“Season 4 was all about gangsterism. I felt like the show had gotten away from what it should continue to be: the journey of Tommy’s psyche.”

From New York Times

In his 1983 work “Hollywood Africans,” Basquiat depicts himself, Rammellzee and Toxic, their heads floating between the words “gangsterism” and “hero.ism,” representing the ways that Black artists and celebrities were pigeonholed in pop culture.

From New York Times

The short-term goal of the organisers is to bring peace, calmness and tranquillity to the township, their long-term goal is to promote engagement with the relevant authorities to rid it of drugs and gangsterism.

From BBC