Camorra
Americannoun
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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.
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(lowercase) any similar society or group.
noun
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a secret society organized in about 1820 in Naples, which thrives on blackmail and extortion
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any similar clandestine group
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of Camorra
1860–65; < Italian < Spanish: dispute, quarrel (of uncertain origin)
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The difference is McCall is more uniquely suited to take on the Camorra.
From Seattle Times ● Aug. 31, 2023
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
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
The novel’s shocking climax implies that, in their hearts, even the most decent of Neapolitans embrace the bloody, cynical values of the Camorra.
From New York Times ● Sep. 28, 2018
Padre Camorra liked his adversary, as the latter was the only person who would take seriously what he styled his arguments.
From The Reign of Greed by Charles E. Derbyshire
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.