Gangland: meaning, definitions and examples
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gangland
[ ˈɡæŋ.lænd ]
criminal underworld
Gangland refers to an area where gangs operate or have significant influence, often associated with organized crime. It is characterized by illegal activities, violence, and a strong presence of criminal organizations. The term can also denote the culture, lifestyle, and social dynamics that surround these gangs. In popular media, gangland is frequently depicted in films and television shows, showcasing the challenges posed by gang-related crime to law enforcement and communities.
Synonyms
criminal territory, gang territory, underworld
Examples of usage
- The police increased their presence in gangland to combat rising violence.
- She grew up in a gangland environment, which influenced her later choices.
- Documentaries about gangland life often reveal the harsh realities of crime.
- Local businesses are struggling to survive in gangland areas.
Translations
Translations of the word "gangland" in other languages:
🇵🇹 mundo do crime
🇮🇳 गैंगवाला क्षेत्र
🇩🇪 Gangland
🇮🇩 dunia geng
🇺🇦 гангстерська територія
🇵🇱 świat gangów
🇯🇵 ギャングの世界
🇫🇷 monde du crime
🇪🇸 mundo de las pandillas
🇹🇷 çete dünyası
🇰🇷 깡패 지역
🇸🇦 عالم العصابات
🇨🇿 gangsterská oblast
🇸🇰 svet gangov
🇨🇳 黑帮世界
🇸🇮 svet gangsterjev
🇮🇸 gengsvið
🇰🇿 бандалық әлем
🇬🇪 ბანდების ტერიტორია
🇦🇿 banditlər dünyası
🇲🇽 mundo de las pandillas
Etymology
The term 'gangland' emerged in the early 20th century as a descriptor for neighborhoods heavily influenced by gang activity. Its usage became prevalent in American English, particularly in reference to areas in major cities like Chicago and New York, where organized crime thrived during the Prohibition era. The word 'gang' itself has roots in the Old English 'gan', meaning to go or to walk, which relates to a group or assembly of individuals moving together. As criminal organizations became more organized and visible, the phrase 'gangland' solidified to encompass not only the locations but also the culture surrounding these entities. Over the decades, it has been popularized in films, literature, and music, illustrating the complexities and challenges posed by gang influence in society.