racketeer
/ˌrækɪˈtɪr/
NOUN
1. A person involved in organized crime
A person who engages in illegal business activities or organized criminal schemes, such as fraud, bribery, extortion, or loan sharking.
1.1. A member of a criminal organization
A person involved in organized criminal activities, often operating as part of a gang or criminal network for financial gain.
Synonyms
- gangster
- mobster
- criminal
- hoodlum
- thug
- mafioso
- underworld figure
- organized criminal
- crime boss
- outlaw
- lawbreaker
- malefactor
Antonyms
- lawman
- police officer
- law-abiding citizen
Examples
- The racketeer controlled several illegal businesses across the city.
- Authorities arrested the notorious racketeer after a lengthy investigation.
Related Words
- organized crime
- gang
- syndicate
- mob
- criminal organization
- racketeering
- underworld
1.2. A person who uses fraud or extortion for profit
A person who makes money through dishonest schemes, intimidation, blackmail, fraudulent transactions, or demanding illegal payments.
Synonyms
- extortionist
- extortioner
- blackmailer
- swindler
- fraudster
- cheater
- defrauder
- sharper
- chiseler
- loan shark
- profiteer
- double-dealer
Antonyms
- honest person
- benefactor
- philanthropist
- trustworthy person
Examples
- The racketeer threatened local shopkeepers and demanded protection money.
- The investigation exposed a racketeer who had defrauded numerous investors.
Related Words
VERB
2. To engage in illegal business activities
To carry out criminal schemes or illegal business operations systematically, often as part of an organized criminal enterprise.
2.1. Conducting organized criminal activities
To participate in or operate an organized illegal business, particularly one involving fraud, extortion, bribery, or other criminal schemes.
Synonyms
- engage in racketeering
- commit organized crime
- run an illegal operation
- conduct criminal activities
- operate a criminal enterprise
- engage in criminal activity
Antonyms
- act lawfully
- conduct legitimate business
- comply with the law
Examples
- The organization continued to racketeer despite repeated police investigations.
- Several companies were accused of racketeering through fraudulent contracts.