gangsterism

[ gang-stuh-riz-uhm ]

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.

gangsterism

/ ˈɡæŋstərɪzəm /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of gangsterism¹

An Americanism dating back to 1925–30; gangster + -ism

Example Sentences

"No, I've been too scared to watch it to be honest," said Love, frontman with Alabama 3, whose 1997 track Woke Up This Morning became the instantly recognisable song which cued up the everyday story of New Jersey gangsterism.

From BBC

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

When he was very young he lived with his grandparents in Mitchells Plain, one of Cape Town's most dangerous townships, known for gangsterism and drug abuse.

From BBC

"You sought to turn Greenock into a warzone for your feud. There is no place for this type of conduct and the good people of Greenock deserve better than being treated to this gangsterism."

From BBC

“Season 4 was all about gangsterism. I felt like the show had gotten away from what it should continue to be: the journey of Tommy’s psyche.”

From New York Times