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ruffianism

ruffianism

9.9
Violent behavior that breaks the law and harms other people
  • noun
  • /ˈrʌfiənˌɪzəm/
translation icon : matonismo
  • Years of unchecked ruffianism undermined the city's sense of safety.

Examples

  • The judge condemned the ruffianism that had taken hold of the streets.

  • His involvement in ruffianism eventually led to his arrest.

  • The rise of ruffianism in the city has alarmed residents.

  • Many people are concerned about the increasing ruffianism among youth.

  • The increase in ruffianism in the city has made residents feel unsafe walking at night.

  • Authorities are cracking down on ruffianism, aiming to restore peace and order in the community.

  • Many neighborhoods experienced a rise in ruffianism, leading to calls for more police presence.

Synonyms

violence
vsruffianism
34 4.3

A very strong natural force that causes damage, like a storm or eruption

is human lawless or criminal aggression rather than general force
rioting
vsruffianism
33 5.2

Violent behavior by a crowd that disturbs the public

is lawless violence that can occur by individuals as well as groups
thuggery
vsruffianism
  • NSFW
7 8.3

Violent actions that hurt or scare people

is violent lawless conduct often by a single aggressive person
hooliganism
vsruffianism
  • Literature
3 7.2

Violent, noisy, or damaging actions by groups, often at sports events

is lawless violent conduct not limited to youthful groups
violent disorder
vsruffianism
  • NSFW
7.4

An event in public where a group becomes violent and damages property

is lawless violent conduct not always mass or public

Antonyms

3 3.6

A way of keeping things neat and in the right place

lawfulness
  • Formal
1 4.7

Being allowed by law

How Violent

violence
  • Offensive
2.8
ruffianism
9.9
hooliganism
  • Literature
3 7.2
rowdiness
1 4.5
misbehavior
15 3.6

Surface Forms

ruffianism singular
ruffianisms plural

Morphology

ruffianism = ruffian (transparent) = ruffian + ism

A straightforward nominalization from 'ruffian' using the productive suffix '-ism' to denote behaviour or practice.

Etymology

Ruffianism comes from ruffian, an old word for a rough, violent man that English took from French and Italian words for a rogue or pimp. A helpful way to remember it is to think of 'rough' behaviour, so ruffianism means violent, lawless actions.