French word

gangster

Pronunciation

IPA/gɑ̃gstɛʁ/

Meaning

  • masculine noungangster

Example

Le gangster a essayé de s'enfuir.

The gangster tried to escape.

Illustration for gangster (gangster)

More examples

La police a arrêté un gangster près du cinéma.

The police arrested a gangster near the movie theater.

Core concept

A violent gang member who uses intimidation and force, with the same image sometimes applied to aggressively unlawful conduct.

Common phrases

  • arrêter un gangster

    arrest a gangster

  • croiser un gangster

    run into a gangster

Similar words

criminel: A person or group involved in criminal activity.
voyou: A violent, disorderly delinquent or thug.

Definition in French

Mot familier pour désigner un criminel violent ou un membre d'une bande, employé aussi au sens figuré pour souligner l'agressivité ou l'illégalité d'une personne.

Word origin

French gangster is borrowed from English gangster, a formation built from gang and the agentive suffix -ster.

Usage tips

  • Gangster is a masculine noun in French, so standard forms include un gangster and le gangster.

Word lists with this word