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Definitions for Mafia

[1] a hierarchically structured secret organization allegedly engaged in smuggling, racketeering, trafficking in narcotics, and other criminal activities in the U.S., Italy, and elsewhere.
[2] (in Sicily) (lowercase ) a popular spirit of hostility to legal restraint and to the law, often manifesting itself in criminal acts. a 19th-century secret society, similar to the Camorra in Naples, that acted in this spirit.
[3] (often lowercase ) any small powerful or influential group in an organization or field; clique.
[4] the Mafia an international secret organization founded in Sicily, probably in opposition to tyranny. It developed into a criminal organization and in the late 19th century was carried to the US by Italian immigrants
[5] any group considered to resemble the Mafia See also Black Hand, Camorra, Cosa Nostra

Words related to Mafia

underworld, family, mafioso

Origin of Mafia

1870–75; < Italian < Sicilian: orig., elegance, bravura, courage; of obscure origin; the word's history prior to the 19th century is unknown, though many fictitious ideas have circulated regarding its age, source, etc., due to the organization's modern notoriety

Word origin for Mafia

C19: from Sicilian dialect of Italian, literally hostility to the law, boldness, perhaps from Arabic mahyah bragging

Synonyms for Mafia

family, mafioso, underworld, cosa nostra