Definition

1. Noun:
   • A tightly knit group of trusted associates: "Maffia" can refer to any close, exclusive group, often operating with a shared, sometimes secretive, purpose.
   • A secret terrorist group in Sicily; originally opposed tyranny but evolved into a criminal organization in the middle of the 19th century: This refers specifically to the Sicilian criminal organization known for its codes of silence (omertà) and organized crime activities.
   • A crime syndicate in the United States; organized in families; believed to have important relations to the Sicilian Mafia: This refers to the American offshoot of the Sicilian organization, structured into crime "families."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old boys' network in the company operated like a corporate maffia. (The group of trusted former colleagues controlled decisions secretly.)
  • The Sicilian maffia has a long and complex history. (The criminal organization from Sicily has existed for a long time.)
  • He was investigated for his alleged ties to the American maffia. (He was suspected of being connected to the U.S. crime syndicate.)

Advanced Usage

• "The Russian maffia": This phrase is commonly used to describe powerful organized crime groups originating from Russia or former Soviet states, extending the term's application beyond its Italian origins.
  • The film depicted the brutal tactics of the Russian maffia.

Variants and Related Words

• Mafia (noun): This is the far more common modern spelling for all definitions of "maffia." "Maffia" is considered an archaic or variant spelling.
  • The police cracked down on the drug operations of the mafia.
• Mafioso (noun): A member of the Mafia.
  • The suspected mafioso refused to testify.

Synonyms

• Syndicate: A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest, often used for criminal enterprises.
• Coterie: A small group of people with shared interests or tastes, often exclusive. (Closer to the first definition of a tight-knit group.)
• Cabal: A secret political clique or faction.

Related Phrases

• Mafia state: A term used to describe a country where the government is perceived to be closely connected with organized crime.
  • The journalist wrote a book accusing the regime of being a mafia state.

Related Idioms

• Silent as the mafia: An idiom implying strict adherence to a code of silence, derived from the principle of .
  • After the meeting, everyone was silent as the mafia about what was discussed.

Noun

1. any tightly knit group of trusted associates
2. a secret terrorist group in Sicily; originally opposed tyranny but evolved into a criminal organization in the middle of the 19th century
3. a crime syndicate in the United States; organized in families; believed to have important relations to the Sicilian Mafia