gangster
n. · adj. · v.-
1 criminal member (n.) B2 Upper Intermediatea member of an organized group of criminals.
a member of a criminal organization or street gang, typically involved in racketeering or violent crime.
ExampleThe movie tells the story of a famous gangster in Chicago during the 1920s.
ExampleFederal investigators spent years building a case against the notorious gangster, eventually securing a conviction for tax evasion and racketeering.
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2 cool or tough (adj.) C1 Advanced Slang Informalused to describe someone or something that is very cool, impressive, or tough.
an evaluative slang term used to denote something admirable, audacious, or stylistically impressive.
ExampleThat was a gangster move to quit your job and start your own company.
ExampleThe way she handled that difficult negotiation was totally gangster, earning her the respect of everyone in the boardroom.
Teacher's tipIn modern slang, this is often used as a compliment for someone who shows confidence or takes a bold risk.
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3 to act like a criminal (v.) C2 Proficiency Slang Informalto behave like a criminal or participate in gang activities.
to engage in activities characteristic of a gangster, such as street crime or organized racketeering.
ExampleHe spent his youth trying to gangster his way to the top of the neighborhood.
ExampleThe documentary explores how local youths were pressured to gangster for the cartel in exchange for protection and status.
From gang + -ster. First attested in 1884.