racketeer

[ rak-i-teer ]

noun

1. a person engaged in a racket.

verb (used without object)

1. to engage in a racket.

racketeer

/ ˌrækɪˈtɪə /

noun

1. a person engaged in illegal enterprises for profit

verb

1. intr to operate a racket

Derived Forms

• ˌrackeˈteering, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of racketeer¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; racket ¹ + -eer

Example Sentences

Evidence found in Sean “Diddy” Combs’ jail cell suggests he has influenced a witness in his New York sex trafficking and racketeering case and is trying to blackmail others, prosecutors allege.

From Los Angeles Times

Mr Combs was charged with three counts of sex trafficking and racketeering, in a federal indictment that described allegations of drug-fuelled, days-long sexual performances dubbed as "Freak Offs".

From BBC

Meanwhile, today Knight is in prison for a hit-and-run, while Combs is awaiting trial on charges of racketeering and sex trafficking, which he denies.

From BBC

Huizar pleaded guilty in January to tax evasion and racketeering charges.

From Los Angeles Times

Nor can he fire Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who is prosecuting Trump on charges of election racketeering, including an attempt to pressure Georgia officials into "finding" him votes during the 2020 election.

From Salon

Related Words

• extortionist
• loan shark
• mobster