gangsterism

[gang-stuh-riz-uh m]

noun

the methods or behavior of gangsters.

the use of tactics associated with gangsters, as intimidation or violence, in order to achieve something.

Origin of gangsterism

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for gangsterism

Contemporary Examples of gangsterism

He was tough and came to attention when gangsterism, [John Dillinger, Pretty Boy Flood], and organized crime was at its height.
J. Edgar Hoover Unmasked
Sandra McElwaine
November 7, 2011

British Dictionary definitions for gangsterism

gangsterism

noun

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

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012