racket
racket
Noun
pl: rackets
This term carries a sharp contrast between its physical and social meanings. When referring to noise, it suggests a chaotic, jarring quality that is typically intrusive or irritating, rather than just loud. In a sporting context, it is a neutral technical term for equipment.
In a legal or criminal context, the word describes systemic dishonesty. It implies a structured operation where profit is derived from exploitation or fraud. This usage often evokes images of organized crime or "protection" schemes where payment is demanded to avoid harm.
Meanings
Nounracket
A loud, unpleasant, and confused noise, typically caused by people or machinery.
The children were making such a racket that I could not concentrate on my book.