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

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

Despite the sardonic way Mr. Cohen’s films equate gangsterism with all-American capitalism, there’s not much in the way of effective subversion, subtextual or otherwise.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2017

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

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 2003 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency