mafia

[ˈmæfiə]

mafia Definition

• 1. a secret criminal organization that engages in illegal activities such as gambling, drug trafficking, and murder
• 2. a 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

• syndicate
• gang
• cartel
• mob
• organized crime

Idioms Using mafia

• join the 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.

• break away from the mafia

  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

• the Mafia

  a specific criminal organization originating in Italy and operating worldwide

  Example

  The Mafia has been involved in organized crime for decades.

• mafia state

  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.

• mafia boss

  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.