What does MAFIA mean?

Parts of Speech

Noun

Definitions

1. A secret criminal organization that operates mainly in Italy and the United States and engages in illegal activities such as extortion, fraud, and murder.
2. A group of people who use similar methods to control a particular industry or business.

Pronunciations

• US: /ˈmɑːfiə/
• UK: /ˈmæfiə/

Origin and Usage

The word "mafia" originated in Italy in the 19th century and was used to describe a secret criminal society. The term was later adopted in the United States to refer to similar criminal organizations that emerged in cities such as New York and Chicago. Today, the word is used to describe any secretive group that engages in illegal activities or controls a particular industry or business.

Synonyms

• Organized crime
• Gang
• Syndicate

Related Words

• Crime
• Greed
• Power
• Money
• Fraud

Example Sentences

1. The mafia has been involved in a number of high-profile criminal activities.
2. The pharmaceutical industry has been accused of acting like a mafia.