gangster

Everyday

1. A gangster is a member of a gang of violent criminals who break the law to get money or power. tree →
2. (slang) Gangster, or «gangsta», is sometimes used by young people to mean someone who acts tough or cool. tree →

In the lessons

In films and stories gangsters rob banks, carry weapons and threaten people; old films show them in hats and suits. In history lessons, gangsters ran crime in big cities. In safety terms, real gangs are dangerous, and children should keep away and tell a trusted adult. Phrases: gangster film, a gang of gangsters, gangster rap.

Examples

• The police arrested the gangster at the airport. tree →
• The film is about a gangster in old Chicago. tree →
• The gangsters hid the stolen money in a warehouse. tree →
• My brother thinks he looks like a gangster in his sunglasses. (slang, joking) tree →
• Gangsters often threaten shopkeepers for money. tree →
• The detective finally caught the gangster boss. tree →
• Real gangsters are dangerous, not glamorous. tree →

Note

Countable noun. A «gang» is the group; a «gangster» is a member who commits crimes. «Gangsta» is a slang spelling. In films gangsters can seem exciting, but in real life their crimes hurt people.