Definition

Proper noun A notorious American gangster who was the leader of a powerful crime syndicate in Chicago during the Prohibition era. He became infamous for his involvement in organized crime, including bootlegging, gambling, and violence, but was ultimately convicted and imprisoned for tax evasion.

Usage

This term is used as a proper name to refer to the historical figure. It is often cited as the archetype of a powerful and ruthless mobster. * The museum exhibit detailed the rise and fall of Al Capone. * Many films have been made about the life of Al Capone.

Advanced Usage

The name can be used metonymically to symbolize organized crime, corruption, or the idea that criminals are eventually caught for lesser, technical crimes rather than their major offenses. * The mayor was accused of running the city like a modern-day Al Capone. * The prosecutor hoped to get the kingpin on a Capone-style tax charge.

Variants and Related Words

• Capone: A common shortened or surname-only reference.
  • The gang was led by Capone.
• Scarface: A widely used nickname for Al Capone, referring to facial scars.
  • The criminal known as Scarface controlled Chicago's underworld.

Synonyms

• Gangster
• Mobster
• Crime boss
• Kingpin

Related Idioms and Phrases

• The Capone model: Refers to the strategy of prosecuting a major criminal for a minor, easily-proven crime (like tax evasion) when direct evidence for their primary crimes is difficult to obtain.
  • When they couldn't prove murder, the FBI used the Capone model to put him away for fraud.

Noun

1. United States gangster who terrorized Chicago during prohibition until arrested for tax evasion (1899-1947)