gangsterism

[gang-stuh-riz-uhm]

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

/ ˈɡæŋstərɪzəm /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gangsterism¹

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

Example Sentences

The judge, Lord Mulholland, however, said the men had been found guilty of "out-of-control gangsterism".

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The judge, Lord Mulholland, however, said the men had been found guilty of "out of control gangsterism".

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"But because he was a gangster, the children also got involved in gangsterism despite me constantly warning them. It wasn't easy raising four boys on my own, you know. I'm always encouraging him to make a change, because I love him very much."

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This is straight-up gangsterism, but don’t tell Donnie, he might have you whacked — or at least some of his minions might — just to prove their loyalty to the Godfather.

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"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.

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