mafia

[ˈmæfiə]

mafia Definition

  • 1a secret criminal organization that engages in illegal activities such as gambling, drug trafficking, and murder
  • 2a group of people who have a similar way of thinking or behaving, especially one that is not open to others

Using mafia: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mafia" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The mafia controlled the city's drug trade.

  • Example

    He was killed by the mafia for refusing to pay protection money.

  • Example

    The company was run like a mafia, with strict hierarchies and secrecy.

  • Example

    The political mafia in the country has been accused of corruption and abuse of power.

mafia Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for mafia

Idioms Using mafia

  • to become involved in organized crime

    Example

    He joined the mafia when he was young and spent most of his life as a criminal.

  • to leave or disassociate oneself from organized crime

    Example

    He decided to break away from the mafia and start a new life.

  • mafia-style

    in a manner characteristic of organized crime, often involving violence or intimidation

    Example

    The company used mafia-style tactics to eliminate competition and control the market.

Phrases with mafia

  • a specific criminal organization originating in Italy and operating worldwide

    Example

    The Mafia has been involved in organized crime for decades.

  • a government system where organized crime groups have significant influence over political and economic affairs

    Example

    The country has become a mafia state, with corruption and criminal activity rampant in all levels of government.

  • the leader or head of a mafia organization

    Example

    The police finally caught the notorious mafia boss after years of investigation.

Origins of mafia

from Italian 'mafia', meaning 'boldness'

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Summary: mafia in Brief

The term 'mafia' [ˈmæfiə] refers to a secret criminal organization that engages in illegal activities such as gambling, drug trafficking, and murder. It can also refer to a group of people who have a similar way of thinking or behaving, especially one that is not open to others. Examples include 'The mafia controlled the city's drug trade.' and 'The company was run like a mafia, with strict hierarchies and secrecy.' Phrases like 'the Mafia' and 'mafia-style' denote specific aspects of organized crime.

How do native speakers use this expression?