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

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

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

After his ordination in 1945, he became associate director of the Xavier Institute of Labor Relations on West 16th Street, whose classes on labor organizing were aimed at inoculating union workers against gangsterism and communism.

From New York Times • Jun. 26, 2015

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 2001 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency