racketeering
/ˌrækɪˈtɪərɪŋ/
VERB
1. Carrying out illegal business activities or criminal schemes
To engage in illegal business operations or organized criminal activities, typically involving fraud, extortion, bribery, intimidation, or other unlawful schemes for financial gain.
1.1. Engaging in organized criminal activities
To participate in or operate systematic illegal activities, often as part of a criminal organization or enterprise.
Synonyms
- committing crimes
- engaging in criminal activity
- gangsterism
- lawbreaking
- criminality
- malfeasance
- misconduct
- wrongdoing
- outlawry
Antonyms
- allowing
- arguing
- convincing
- inducing
- letting
- moving
- permitting
- persuading
- satisfying
Examples
- The undercover operation aimed to unveil the intricate web of racketeering within the criminal organization.
- Law enforcement agencies collaborated to dismantle the powerful networks engaging in racketeering across the city.
Related Words
- organized crime
- criminal enterprise
- corruption
- fraud
- extortion
- illegal business
- criminal scheme
- lawlessness
1.2. Using coercion, intimidation, or extortion
To obtain money, property, or compliance through threats, intimidation, pressure, or other forms of unlawful coercion.
Synonyms
- arm-twisting
- badgering
- blackjacking
- blackmailing
- browbeating
- bulldozing
- bullying
- coercing
- compelling
- constraining
- cowing
- dragooning
- exacting
- extorting
- forcing
- harassing
- hectoring
- high-pressuring
- hounding
- intimidating
- menacing
- muscling
- pressuring
- sandbagging
- squeezing
- terrorizing
- threatening
- wresting
- wringing
Antonyms
- allowing
- convincing
- inducing
- letting
- permitting
- persuading
- satisfying
Examples
- The courtroom trial exposed the extent of corruption and illegal activities linked to the accused's racketeering schemes.
- The legislation sought to strengthen penalties for those convicted of engaging in racketeering activities.
Related Words
NOUN
2. The criminal activity of operating an illegal racket
The practice or activity of participating in an illegal business or organized criminal operation, particularly one involving fraud, bribery, extortion, or other unlawful methods of making money.
2.1. Organized criminal or fraudulent activity
A pattern of illegal conduct carried out for financial gain, often involving a criminal organization or systematic exploitation of others.
Synonyms
- crime
- criminality
- gangsterism
- lawbreaking
- lawlessness
- malefaction
- malfeasance
- misconduct
- misdeed
- misdoing
- offence
- offense
- outlawry
- transgression
- wrongdoing
Examples
- The investigative journalist delved deep into the world of corporate racketeering, revealing shocking details.
- The documentary exposed the ways in which organized crime racketeered to infiltrate legitimate industries.