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

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 • Jun. 26, 2023

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

With a little help from Pharrell, Snoog Dogg moved away from the West Coast gangsterism of his early career and scored chart success while staying true to his G-funk roots on this chrome-sleek, Neptunes-produced hit.

From The Guardian • Aug. 7, 2012

There is no such thing as security for any nation—or any individual—in a world ruled by the principles of gangsterism.

From The Fireside Chats of Franklin Delano Roosevelt by Roosevelt, Franklin Delano