Mafia: meaning, definitions and examples

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mafia

[ˈmɑːfiə ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

crime

A mafia is a type of organized crime syndicate whose primary activities are protection racketeering, the arbitration of disputes between criminals, and the organizing and oversight of illegal agreements and transactions.

Synonyms

gang, mob, syndicate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mafia	Often used to refer specifically to organized crime groups originating from Italy or Sicily. It can also be used more broadly to describe any powerful criminal organization. The term can carry a sense of tradition and deep-rooted criminal activities. The authorities were cracking down on the local mafia. He was rumored to have mafia connections.
mob	Similar to 'mafia,' this term describes large, organized crime groups. However, 'mob' is often used in a more American context, historically referring to crime families, especially those of Italian-American heritage. The mob was involved in various illegal activities, from extortion to racketeering. She feared the wrath of the mob boss.
gang	Commonly used to describe a group of individuals who engage in criminal activities on a smaller scale, compared to more organized crime syndicates. Gangs are often associated with street crime and can operate in urban environments. The police are working to reduce gang violence in the city. He joined a gang when he was a teenager.
syndicate	This term is used to describe a large, structured organization involved in criminal activities. It emphasizes the business-like and extensive nature of their operations, often involving multiple sectors and regions. The drug syndicate had operations in multiple countries. Breaking the syndicate required international cooperation.

Examples of usage

The mafia has been involved in various illegal activities such as drug trafficking and money laundering.
Members of the mafia operate in secrecy to avoid detection by law enforcement.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

Italian

Mafia is also used to refer to a powerful group or network in Italian society, typically with negative connotations related to corruption and criminal activities.

Synonyms

cabal, cartel, clique.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
mafia	Refers to organized crime groups, often involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. Has a negative connotation. The police arrested several members of the mafia involved in smuggling operations. The book describes the internal workings of the Italian mafia.
cabal	Implies a secretive and conspiratorial group, often plotting behind the scenes for political purposes. Typically used in a negative context. Rumors spread about a cabal of leaders plotting to overthrow the government. The story reveals a cabal of bankers manipulating the markets for their own benefit.
clique	Describes a small, exclusive group of people who share common interests or social circles, often seen as excluding others. Can have a slightly negative connotation. She always felt left out because she didn't belong to the popular clique at school. The office clique gathered for lunch every day, leaving their colleagues behind.
cartel	Mostly refers to an association of businesses or organizations that collude to control prices and limit competition within an industry, often illegal. Has a negative connotation. The oil cartel decided to cut production to raise prices. Authorities are investigating the drug cartel responsible for the recent surge in violence.

Examples of usage

The political mafia in Italy has been accused of corruption and bribery.
He was rumored to have connections with the local mafia.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The term 'mafia' is believed to have originated from the Arabic word 'maḥyā,' meaning 'to protect or save,' which reflects their protective but often violent nature.
In the 19th century, Sicilian farmers used the term to describe local groups that acted as protectors against invading forces, thus starting the cultural significance of the word.

Historical Origins

The Sicilian Mafia, also known as Cosa Nostra, began in the mid-1800s in Sicily, primarily as a response to local weaknesses in law enforcement.
During Prohibition in the 1920s, American organized crime groups found significant wealth, leading to the expansion of mafia influence into legitimate businesses.
Famous figures like Al Capone in Chicago exemplified the era's mobsters, capitalizing on illegal activities to secure power and wealth.

Pop Culture

The mafia has been a popular subject in movies and TV, with iconic films like 'The Godfather' and series like 'The Sopranos' portraying their complex and sometimes romanticized lives.
Video games like 'Grand Theft Auto' often feature mafia elements, enabling players to engage in crime-themed storylines and missions.

Psychology

Studies show that the portrayal of mafia members in media can influence public perception, often glorifying their lifestyle while downplaying violent ramifications.
Research indicates that some individuals are drawn to the 'mafia mystique' due to a fascination with power and the anti-hero narrative often seen in media representations.

Legal Perspective

Legislation like the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act in the U.S. was created specifically to combat organized crime and the activities of groups like the mafia.
Law enforcement agencies worldwide collaborate to dismantle organized crime syndicates, using intelligence and global connections to disrupt their activities.

Translations

Translations of the word "mafia" in other languages:

🇵🇹 máfia

🇮🇳 माफिया

🇩🇪 Mafia

🇮🇩 mafia

🇺🇦 мафія

🇵🇱 mafia

🇯🇵 マフィア

🇫🇷 mafia

🇪🇸 mafia

🇹🇷 mafya

🇰🇷 마피아

🇸🇦 مافيا

🇨🇿 mafie

🇸🇰 mafia

🇨🇳 黑手党

🇸🇮 mafija

🇮🇸 mafía

🇰🇿 мафия

🇬🇪 მაფია

🇦🇿 mafiya

🇲🇽 mafia

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,625, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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26622 fisted
26623 mademoiselle
26624 retaken
26625 mafia
26626 capitulate
26627 fishy
26628 unequaled
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