racketeer
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: //ˌrækɪˈtɪr//
KK: /rækɪˈtɪr/
intransitive verb
Definition
To engage in illegal activities, often for profit, typically involving organized crime.
Example
He was known to racketeer in the underground gambling scene.
Tense Forms
Past: racketeered
Past Participle: racketeered
Conversation
Did you hear about that guy who got arrested for being a racketeer?
Yeah, I read about it! It's shocking how people can get involved in such illegal activities.
I wonder what made him choose to racketeer instead of finding a legit job.
It's crazy, right? Some people just can't resist the quick money.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
swindle
con
defraud
Antonyms
honor
assist
support
noun
Definition
A person who engages in illegal activities to make money, often through threats or coercion.
Example
The police arrested the racketeer for running an illegal gambling operation.
Conversation
Did you hear about that infamous racketeer in our neighborhood?
Yeah, I read something about him in the news last week.
It's crazy how someone can get away with such things for so long.
Root Explanation
Racketeer → The word originates from the term 'racketeer', which is derived from 'racketeering', a term that refers to engaging in dishonest or fraudulent business dealings. The root 'rackete' is believed to come from the French 'raquette', meaning a racket or scheme, and the suffix '-eer' denotes a person who engages in a specific activity. Thus, a racketeer is a person who engages in dishonest schemes or illegal activities for profit.
Memory Tip
Think of someone involved in a 'scheme' ('rackete') to make money dishonestly — that's what a racketeer does.
Visually Confused Words
rocketeer
blacketeer
rocketer