mafia

• Nom désignant une organisation criminelle, en particulier d'origine sicilienne, ou, par extension, tout groupe fermé et influent de personnes liées par une loyauté stricte et agissant dans son propre intérêt.

A noun referring to any tightly knit group of trusted associates, often implying a closed or exclusive circle with strong internal loyalty.

1. Organized crime groupB2formal

   A secret criminal organization, originally from Sicily, known for its hierarchical structure and illegal activities.

   organisation criminelle mafieuse

   • The mafia controlled much of the city's illegal trade.
   • Several mafia leaders were arrested in a major police operation.
   • The film depicts the rise and fall of a powerful mafia family.

   Synonymescartelcrime syndicategangmobsyndicate

2. Any tightly knit group of trusted associatesB2informal

   A close-knit group of people who work together to protect their own interests, often in a secretive or exclusive manner.

   groupe de personnes soudées

   • The old boys' network in that company operates like a mafia.
   • The design team is a mafia of creative professionals who always support each other.
   • In the world of high finance, there is a mafia of top executives who control the market.

   Synonymescabalclancliqueganginner circlejuntaold boy networkring