racketeer
UK: ˌrækɪˈtɪə | US: ˌrækɪˈtɪr
n. a person who engages in dishonest and fraudulent business dealings, often through intimidation or illegal activities.
n. (historically) a member of a criminal organization involved in extortion or illegal enterprises.
racketeer = racket<fraudulent scheme> + eer<person who does>
- racket (fraudulent scheme): Originates from the Italian "ricatto" (blackmail/extortion), later adopted into English slang for illegal profit-making activities.
- eer (person who does): A suffix derived from French "-ier," indicating a person associated with an action or role (e.g., "engineer," "pioneer").
Etymology Origin:
The term emerged in early 20th-century America, blending Italian-influenced criminal slang ("racket") with the French-derived suffix "-eer." It originally described organized crime figures profiting from illegal "rackets" (e.g., protection scams). Over time, it broadened to include any fraudulent business operator.
The mob boss was convicted as a racketeer for running a nationwide gambling ring.
Authorities dismantled a group of racketeers exploiting small businesses.
She exposed the corrupt politician as a racketeer in disguise.
The film portrays the rise and fall of a ruthless racketeer in the 1920s.
New laws target modern racketeers operating in cyberspace.