mafia

noun
UK: /ˈmæfiə/
US: /ˈmɑːfiə/

  1. A secret criminal organization that protects its members.

    1. The Mafia controls some businesses in the city. [ ] [ ]
    2. Police are investigating the Mafia's involvement in the recent robberies. [ ] [ ]

  2. A group of powerful people involved in illegal activities.

    1. He accused the construction company of being a Mafia. [ ] [ ]
    2. The newspaper exposed the political Mafia that controlled the city's contracts. [ ] [ ]

Synonyms

syndicate gang mob underworld
mafia verb

  1. To use Mafia-like methods, especially to unfairly control a situation.

    1. They mafiad the election, ensuring their victory. [ ] [ ]
    2. He claimed the company mafiad his promotion, giving it to someone less qualified. [ ] [ ]

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "mafia" in English means: A secret criminal organization that protects its members., A group of powerful people involved in illegal activities..

The phonetic transcription of "mafia" is /ˈmæfiə/ in British English and /ˈmɑːfiə/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "mafia": syndicate, gang, mob, underworld.

Example usage of "mafia": "The Mafia controls some businesses in the city.". More examples on the page.