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

Combs is charged with leading an enterprise with a persistent pattern of racketeering activity from 2008 to 2024 that included Combs and his co-conspirators engaging in kidnapping, arson, and forced labor.

From Los Angeles Times

He is also facing criminal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking.

From BBC

After pleading guilty to the crime of rioting at a federal facility, Garcia was sentenced in 2005 to another six years on top of his racketeering term.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

• extortionist
• loan shark
• mobster