Camorra

American  

[kuh-mawr-uh, -mor-uh, kah-mawr-rah] / kəˈmɔr ə, -ˈmɒr ə, kɑˈmɔr rɑ /

noun

1. a secret society of Naples, Italy, first publicly known about 1820, that developed into a powerful political organization and was later associated with blackmail, robbery, etc., until its destruction in 1911.

2. (lowercase) any similar society or group.

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Camorra British  

/ kəˈmɒrə /

noun

1. a secret society organized in about 1820 in Naples, which thrives on blackmail and extortion

2. any similar clandestine group

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Other Word Forms

• Camorrism noun

Etymology

Origin of Camorra

1860–65; < Italian < Spanish: dispute, quarrel (of uncertain origin)

Example Sentences

The difference is McCall is more uniquely suited to take on the Camorra.

From Seattle Times

Because of her reported Camorra connections, all her assets were seized, but she later owned two classy fashion stores in Naples.

From Washington Post

While female leaders are rare in the Sicilian Mafia, women in the Camorra have played top roles.

From Seattle Times

If the show’s success has been accompanied by criticisms that it glorifies gangland culture, Gomorrah’s authors and creators counter that they didn’t invent the Camorra, which dates back centuries.

From New York Times

Investigators were quoted in Italian media as saying the violence, in which police officers were injured, bore the hand of the Camorra, the local organized crime group.

From Washington Times