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

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

From Washington Post • Jan. 5, 2022

Raffaele Imperiale, an alleged kingpin in the Naples-based Camorra organized crime syndicate, was arrested on Aug. 4, said Italy’s state police and financial crimes police corps in a joint statement.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 19, 2021

In spite of these denials, the spectre of the Camorra haunts the film, always present, dark and seductive.

From The New Yorker • Oct. 13, 2019

“If we minded our business the Camorra left us alone, but they would also deliver food packages to those in need.”

From The Guardian • May 17, 2019

The general disorder of Naples was so great and the police so badly organized that merchants were glad to engage the Camorra to superintend the loading and unloading of merchandise.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 5, Slice 2 "Camorra" to "Cape Colony" by Various