omertà

[aw-mer-tah, oh-mer-tuh]

noun

Italian.

1. secrecy sworn to by oath; code of silence.

omertà

/ omerˈta /

noun

1. a conspiracy of silence

Example Sentences

It has been alleged that she was at the centre of the omerta that reigned in the Le Scouarnec family, as she was repeatedly made aware of her husband's obsession with children but did nothing to stop it.

Read more on BBC

"It was the family's omertà which meant his abuse was allowed to continue for decades," one lawyer involved in the case told the BBC.

Read more on BBC

This silence, evoked by the title, describes the organizational omerta under which the IRA operated and the unspoken agreement between its operatives and the people they lived among.

Read more on Salon

“There was a vow of omerta,” she said, referring to the mafia’s code of silence.

Read more on BBC

Many additional endorsement opportunities soon followed, and O.J. rose to unprecedented heights by adopting the omerta on any and all issues related to race, politics and inequality.

Read more on Salon