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Racketeer - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A racketeer is someone who engages in illegal business activities, often through organized crime, such as extortion or fraud. The term is commonly linked to dishonest schemes for financial gain.

racketeer

/ˌrækəˈtɪr/ /ˌrækɪˈtɪə/

Definition:

A person engaged in dishonest or fraudulent business dealings, often involving intimidation or illegal activities.

Synonyms:

fraudster, swindler, extortionist, criminal

Part of Speech:

noun, verb

Antonyms:

honest person, law-abiding citizen

Common Collocations:

organized crime, illegal scheme, extortion racket, corrupt business

Derivatives:

racketeering, racketeered

Usage Tips:

Use "racketeer" to describe someone involved in organized illegal activities like extortion or fraud; often linked to crime syndicates.

Common Phrases:

"racketeer influence, " "racketeer organization, " "racketteer scheme"

Etymology:

Derived from "racket" (illegal enterprise) + "-eer," influenced by early 20th-century American criminal slang.

Examples:

  • 1. The police arrested the notorious racketeer for running an illegal gambling ring.
  • 2. She testified against the racketeer who had threatened local businesses for years.
  • 3. The film portrayed a ruthless racketeer controlling the city's underground economy.
  • 4. Authorities dismantled a network of racketeers involved in money laundering and fraud.

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