blockbusting

[ blok-buhs-ting ]

noun

1. the profiteering real-estate practice of buying homes from white majority homeowners below market value, based on the implied threat of future devaluation during minority integration of previously segregated neighborhoods.

blockbusting

/ ˈblɒkˌbʌstɪŋ /

noun

1. informal.
   the act or practice of inducing the sale of property cheaply by exploiting the owners' fears of lower prices if racial minorities live in the area

Word History and Origins

Origin of blockbusting¹

First recorded in 1940–45; block + bust ² + -ing ¹

Example Sentences

He didn't speak English and my high school German was inadequate, especially accompanied by a blockbusting hangover.

From Project Gutenberg