MAFIA • E-FREE TRANSLATION.COM • Definition of Mafia

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noun

Mafia, Maffia n.

A secret society which organized in Sicily as a political organization, but is now widespread among Italians, and is used to further or protect private interests, reputedly by illegal methods; called also the Sicilian Mafia.

A group of loosely associated of criminal organizations in the United States, some having ties to the Sicilian Mafia, and organized in "families"; the term is applied to the entire group of organizations, or to any one local group. Also, loosely, organized groups of criminals anywhere, as the Russian mafia.

Synonyms: syndicate, mob, Cosa Nostra, La Cosa Nostra, organized crime.

Any tightly knit group of trusted associates having strong control or influence in some area; as, Kennedy and his Irish Mafia. (informal)

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Etymology of 'Mafia'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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"Mafia" Quotes from Famous Books

... no knowing what you are going to explore"—a shade of anxiety had come into her face. "The Mafia is there, the people are ignorant, and the lava wastes are as desolate and wild as any spot in Africa. I hope there will be no danger, but it is well to take precautions before going into such a country. You will promise me won't you?—to follow the directions ...

— The Title Market • Emily Post

... street may be seen a house where the troubles with the Mafia began. On a corner—the southeast corner of Royal and St. Peter—is shown the house in which Cable's "'Sieur George" resided. This house is, I believe, the same one which, when erected, caused people to move away from its immediate neighborhood, for fear that its height would ...

— American Adventures - A Second Trip 'Abroad at home' • Julian Street

Words linked to "Mafia" : syndicate, gangdom, colloquialism, pack, inner circle, Cosa Nostra, organized crime, camp, terrorist act, omerta, mob, terrorism, ingroup