mafia

ma-fi-a · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    An organized international criminal network, originally from Sicily.

  2. 2.

    Any group regarded as exerting hidden or sinister influence.

Forms

plural: mafias

Related words

See also: crime, mob, syndicate
Synonyms: mob, organized crime, syndicate

Etymology

From Sicilian Italian mafia, of uncertain origin, possibly from Arabic mahyah ("boasting") or mu'afa ("safety, protection").