'gangster' originates from the English word 'gang,' which referred to a group of people, and the suffix '-ster,' which denotes a person associated with a particular activity.

'gang' changed from the Old English word 'gang' meaning 'a going, journey, way,' and eventually became the modern English word 'gang' referring to a group.

Initially, it meant 'a group of people,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a member of an organized group of criminals.'