What do racketeering mean?

Pronunciation

/ˈrækətɪərɪŋ/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A term used to describe the act of obtaining money or property illegally, typically through extortion, fraud, or other forms of criminal activity.

Examples

• The police investigated the company for racketeering activities.
• The organized crime group was involved in racketeering and money laundering.

Synonyms

• Extortion
• Fraud
• Illegal activities

Antonyms

• Legal business practices
• Honesty

Additional Information

Racketeering is often associated with organized crime and is considered a serious criminal offense. It can involve a wide range of illegal activities, including extortion, bribery, and fraud. Racketeering charges can lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment and fines.

In the United States, racketeering is prosecuted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, which targets organized crime groups and individuals involved in illegal activities.

Racketeering has been depicted in popular culture, including in films and television shows such as “The Godfather” and “The Sopranos.”

Etymology

The term “racketeering” originated in the early 20th century in the United States, derived from the word “racket,” meaning a fraudulent or illegal scheme.

Usage Notes

Racketeering is often used to describe illegal activities involving organized crime groups or individuals, but it can also be used more broadly to describe any type of illegal or fraudulent activity.

Cultural References

Racketeering has been depicted in popular culture, including in films and television shows such as “The Godfather” and “The Sopranos.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• “Racketeering operation”
• “Racketeering scheme”

Related Words or Phrases

• Organized crime
• Fraud
• Extortion

Collocations

• “racketeering charges”
• “racketeering activities”

Frequency of Use

Racketeering is a relatively common term in modern language, particularly in the context of law enforcement and criminal justice.

Common Misspellings

• Racketeeringg
• Racketeirng