1. violent or brutal behavior, especially by criminals or gangs

Examples

• The neighborhood was plagued by thuggery and petty crime.
• Police cracked down on the thuggery that had been terrorizing local businesses.
• The mayor promised to end the thuggery that was driving families away.
• Acts of thuggery increased dramatically after the gang moved into the area.
• The documentary exposed the thuggery behind the organized crime syndicate.
• Citizens demanded action against the thuggery that made streets unsafe at night.