A hierarchically structured secret organisation engaged in illegal activities like distribution of narcotics, gambling and extortion. / A crime syndicate.

plural of mafia

The international criminal organization of Sicilian origin operating in Italy and the United States.

plural of mafia state

A system in which the government is tied with organized crime.

(biology) A hypothesis attempting to explain why most hosts of brood parasites care for the parasite's nestlings. Since the host's nest is attacked if the parasite's egg is detected and rejected, this indirectly enhances selective pressures favouring aggressive parasite behaviour that may result in positive feedback between mafia-like parasites and compliant hosts.

(derogatory or humorous) The LGBTQIA+ community.

Resembling or characteristic of a mafia.

Initialism of Music And Film Industry Association of America, a hypothetical merger between the MPAA and the RIAA, the industry associations for films and music respectively. Both have been accused of exhibiting racketeering behavior.