gangster

UK: ˈɡæŋstə | US: ˈɡæŋstər

Definition

  1. n. a member of a violent or organized criminal group

  2. n. (informal) a person who behaves in a ruthless or unscrupulous way

Structure
gang <group, often criminal>ster <agent noun suffix (denoting a person associated with)>
Etymology

The word "gangster" combines "gang," derived from Old English gang (meaning "a going, journey, or group"), with the suffix "-ster," which originates from Old English -estre (used to form agent nouns, often pejoratively). By the late 19th century, "gang" had acquired connotations of criminality, and "-ster" solidified the term as a label for individuals involved in such groups. The evolution reflects societal shifts in perceiving organized crime.

Examples

  1. The gangster was arrested for extortion and racketeering.

  2. Al Capone remains one of the most infamous gangsters in American history.

  3. The film portrays the rise and fall of a ruthless gangster.

  4. Local businesses paid protection money to the gangsters.

  5. He dressed like a 1920s gangster for the costume party.