Search Dictionary
Definition of racketeering

racketeering

/ˌræk.əˈtɪr.ɪŋ/
rack · et · eer · ing
JUMP TO:

racketeering Lexical Profile

racketeering Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The practice of engaging in dishonest and fraudulent business dealings, especially through an organized crime syndicate that uses extortion, coercion, or illegal monopolies to extract ongoing profits.

Example

"The federal prosecutor indicted several executives on charges of bribery, tax evasion, and racketeering."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for racketeering

• Rhymes for racketeering

• Nearby Words

rack
racket
racketeer
racketeering
rackets
racking
raclette

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 1920s in the United States by the Employers' Association of Chicago to describe organized criminal extortion and protection schemes, formed from 'racketeer' (itself from 'racket' in the 19th-century slang sense of a fraudulent scheme or dodge).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Racketeering. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/racketeering
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.