gangsterism

[ gang-stuh-riz-uh m ]
/ ˈgæŋ stəˌrɪz əm /

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

Words nearby gangsterism

gangrene, gangrenous stomatitis, gangsta rap, gangster, gangster chic, gangsterism, gangtok, gangue, gangway, ganister, ganja

Example sentences from the Web for 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 |DAILY BEAST

British Dictionary definitions for gangsterism

gangsterism
/ (ˈɡæŋstərɪzəm) /

noun

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