gangs
word · lemma: gang
Definition
Groups of people, often young, who join together for social reasons or to do illegal activities. Commonly refers to street groups involved in crime.
Usage & Nuances
Usually used to describe street groups associated with crime ('street gangs'), but can also mean simply a group of friends in informal speech. In police or media, almost always negative. Don’t confuse with 'group' (neutral) or 'team' (positive).
Example Sentences
Police are trying to stop the fight between the two gangs.
basic
Some gangs use symbols to show who they are.
basic
The street was empty after the gangs started causing trouble.
natural
There are problems with gangs in some neighborhoods.
basic
He left the city to get away from the influence of local gangs.
natural
You could tell the area was controlled by gangs just by the graffiti.
natural