1. violent or lawless behavior characteristic of ruffians; acts of brutality or thuggery
Usage: plural form

Examples

• The neighborhood was plagued by various ruffianisms that made residents afraid to walk alone at night.
• The coach would not tolerate any ruffianisms from his players on or off the field.
• Local authorities cracked down on the ruffianisms that had been disrupting the peaceful town square.
• The documentary exposed the ruffianisms of the criminal gang that had terrorized the city.
• Parents complained about the ruffianisms displayed by some students during the school assembly.
• The mayor promised to address the ruffianisms that were driving away tourists from the historic district.