racketeering
UK: ˌrækɪˈtɪərɪŋ | US: ˌrækɪˈtɪrɪŋ
n. organized illegal activities, such as extortion or fraud, typically carried out by a group (e.g., a criminal syndicate).
n. the act of operating a dishonest business or scheme for profit.
racketeering = racket<illegal scheme> + eer<agent noun suffix> + ing<gerund suffix>
- racket: Originally meant "loud noise" (16th c.), later slang for "fraudulent scheme" (19th c.), possibly from Dutch rakketen (to rattle).
- eer: Agentive suffix (e.g., engineer, pioneer), indicating a person associated with the root.
- ing: Forms gerunds or verbal nouns (e.g., running, swimming).
Etymology Origin:
The term evolved from racket (noise → chaotic activity → illegal enterprise) + eer (agentive suffix), reflecting the shift from literal noise to organized crime. The -ing suffix nominalizes the action, emphasizing the systemic nature of the activity.
The gang was charged with racketeering and money laundering.
Authorities dismantled a major racketeering operation targeting small businesses.
Racketeering laws were strengthened to combat organized crime.
He faced 20 years in prison for his role in the racketeering scheme.
The documentary exposed political corruption tied to racketeering.