Mafia: meaning, definitions and examples

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mafia

 

[ หˆmษ‘หfiษ™ ]

Noun
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

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

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "mafia" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mรกfia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเคพเคซเคฟเคฏเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mafia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mafia

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผะฐั„ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mafia

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒžใƒ•ใ‚ฃใ‚ข

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mafia

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mafia

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mafya

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋งˆํ”ผ์•„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุงููŠุง

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mafie

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mafia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ป‘ๆ‰‹ๅ…š

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mafija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mafรญa

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผะฐั„ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒคแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mafiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mafia

Etymology

The term 'mafia' originated in Sicily, Italy, and its roots can be traced back to the Sicilian countryside in the early 19th century. The word 'mafia' is believed to have derived from an Arabic word 'mahyas', meaning 'aggressive boasting'. The mafia's influence spread beyond Italy to various parts of the world, gaining notoriety for its criminal activities and secretive operations.

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.