Definitions:

1. Refers to a person who engages in illegal or dishonest business activities, especially those involving extortion, fraud, or organized crime. NOUN
   • The police arrested the racketeer for running an illegal gambling operation.
2. Someone who commits crimes for profit. NOUN
   • The FBI launched a manhunt for a fugitive racketeer who had eluded capture for years.
3. Someone who runs or participates in a racket, such as bribery, loan sharking, protection schemes, or fraudulent enterprises, often as part of organized crime. NOUN
   • He made millions as a racketeer, extorting small businesses for protection money.

Synonyms:

• blackmailer
• extortionist
• thug
• white-collar criminal

NearBy Words:

• racketeering