Words / B2

GANGST-uh/ˈɡæŋstə/

A gangster is a member of a violent organised-crime group: a gangster trial; gangster violence. Criminal is broader; mobster is a US twin. Name the gangster in the trial report, then the charge. Mix-up: gangster vs youngster; gang as a looser group; do not write gangster for a film plot with no court or named statute in the source.

Meaning

A member of a violent organised-crime group.

Examples

• “Name the gangster in the trial report, then the charge, not a film plot.”
• “Gangster violence featured in the inquiry, which is the organised-crime sense — still quote the year.”

Good to know

a gangster trial; organised-crime / gangster violence. Broader: criminal. US twin: mobster. Trap: a film title. Citizenship, history, and news. A member of a violent crime group — name the charge.

Near in meaning

criminal, mobster, racketeer

New