Maffia

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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

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