illegalism

English

Etymology

From illegal +‎ -ism.

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /ɪˈliːɡəlɪz(ə)m/

Noun

illegalism (countable and uncountable, plural illegalisms)

1. Illegal activity, especially seen as systemic or as part of a general philosophy or ideology.
   • 1989, Brenda Danet, Pulling Strings, page 116:

     Sprinzak argued that the rule of law has never been fully institutionalized in Israel and that illegalism is a basic characteristic of political culture.

   • 2011, Thomas Penn, Winter King, Penguin, published 2012, page 267:

     Even where illegalism was the norm, he stood out, his career littered with examples of extortion, bribery and intimidation.