Standard Lemma guide

gangsterize

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To adapt to the norms of gangsters, or violent organized crime.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To subject to the abuses of gangsterism.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • 1970s, Francis E. Dec, Worldwide Open Secret, tract [...] such banks as Island Federal Bank of Hempstead gangsterized me and swindled me [...]

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Narrower terms: terrorize

History

Etymology

From gangster + -ize.