The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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mafia

noun

/ˈmɑ fi ə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of mafia

A secretive and organized criminal network that operates primarily through illegal activities such as extortion, drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized violence.
"The young man feared retaliation from the mafia after witnessing a murder."

Detailed meaning of mafia

Originating in Italy, the Mafia is characterized by a hierarchical structure with various families or clans, each with its own leaders and members. Loyalty, honor, and a strict code of conduct, known as "Omertà," are central to the Mafia's culture. The Mafia maintains its power through a combination of fear, corruption, and influence, often infiltrating legitimate businesses and institutions. The term 'Mafia' is also used more broadly to describe any criminal organization that operates similarly to the traditional Italian Mafia. The activities and influence of the Mafia have had significant social, economic, and political impacts, and efforts to combat and dismantle it have been ongoing in many countries around the world.

Example sentences containing mafia

1. The police have been conducting extensive investigations into the activities of the local mafia.
2. The mafia boss ordered a hit on a rival gang member.
3. The informant provided crucial information that helped bring down the entire mafia organization.
4. The neighborhood was under the control of the mafia, instilling fear among its residents.
5. The prosecutor presented evidence linking the defendant to the mafia's money laundering operations.
6. The mafia's influence extended into the political realm, corrupting officials and manipulating policies.

History and etymology of mafia

The noun 'mafia' has an intriguing etymology rooted in Southern Italy. It is believed to have originated in the 19th century and is derived from the Sicilian adjective 'mafiusu,' which means 'swagger,' 'boldness,' or 'arrogance.' The term 'mafiusu' itself is thought to be an adaptation of the Sicilian word 'mafia,' which referred to a social group or clan that held a certain degree of power and influence in local communities. Over time, this term underwent a transformation and began to be associated with secretive and organized criminal networks, particularly in Sicily and later in the United States, where Italian immigrants brought the concept of the mafia with them. The etymology of 'mafia' thus reflects its historical evolution from a term related to arrogance and swagger to one associated with criminal organizations characterized by secrecy, power, and illegal activities.

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Further usage examples of mafia

1. The mafia's illicit activities included smuggling drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods.
2. The mafia boss demanded a substantial cut of the profits from all businesses in the area.
3. The undercover agent infiltrated the mafia and gathered evidence against its key members.
4. The mafia's stronghold in the city made it difficult for law enforcement to combat their criminal activities.
5. The restaurant owner refused to pay protection money to the mafia, resulting in acts of vandalism.
6. The mafia's ruthless reputation made it nearly impossible for witnesses to come forward and testify.
7. The journalist received death threats from the mafia after exposing their operations in an article.
8. The mafia's control over the construction industry allowed them to manipulate contracts and extort money from builders.
9. The mafia's influence reached deep into the city's underworld.
10. Law enforcement worked tirelessly to dismantle the mafia.
11. The mafia boss was known for his ruthlessness and cunning.
12. The mafia controlled various illegal enterprises in the city.
13. She was a witness who testified against the mafia in court.
14. The mafia's illicit activities extended across international borders.
15. The movie depicted the gritty world of the mafia.
16. The mafia's web of corruption ensnared many unsuspecting individuals.
17. The police initiated a crackdown on the mafia's operations.
18. The mafia's power extended into the highest levels of government.
19. He wrote a book exposing the inner workings of the mafia.
20. The mafia's code of silence made it difficult to gather evidence.
21. The mafia's activities posed a serious threat to public safety.
22. The mafia's influence cast a dark shadow over the city.
23. Witnesses feared retaliation from the mafia for their testimonies.