Definition

Noun: 1. The Israeli foreign intelligence agency: "Mossad" is the name of the national intelligence agency of Israel. Its primary mission is intelligence collection, covert operations, and counterterrorism outside of Israel's borders.

Usage

• "Mossad" is a proper noun and is always capitalized.
• It typically functions as a singular entity, often used with the definite article "the."
• It is used to refer to the organization, its activities, or its operatives collectively.

Examples

• As the subject of a sentence:
  • The Mossad is known for its intelligence-gathering capabilities.
  • According to reports, Mossad uncovered the plot.
• As the object of a sentence:
  • The diplomat was suspected of being a spy for the Mossad.
  • He wrote a book about his time in the Mossad.
• Showing possession or attribution:
  • That was a classic Mossad operation.
  • A Mossad agent was allegedly involved.

Advanced Usage

• Metonymy: "Mossad" is sometimes used metonymically to represent the Israeli government's covert foreign policy or actions.
  • The operation had Mossad's fingerprints all over it. (Meaning the operation bore the hallmarks of the agency's methods.)

Variants and Related Words

• Mossad agent / Mossad operative (n): A member or employee of the Mossad.
• Intelligence agency (n): A government organization responsible for gathering and analyzing information about foreign governments, organizations, or persons. The Mossad is one example.

Synonyms

• Intelligence service
• Secret service (in the general sense of a foreign intelligence agency)

Notes on Different Meanings

• "Mossad" has only one specific meaning as the name of this Israeli institution. It is not a common noun with other definitions.

Noun

1. the Israeli foreign intelligence agency
   • the primary focus of the Mossad is on Arab nations