omertà
[aw-mer-tah; English oh-mer-tuh]
- secrecy sworn to by oath; code of silence.
Show More
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for omerta
Contemporary Examples
This is because the elite officers who comprise the secret SEAL Team Six practice a Mafia-like code of Omerta.
Like the papacy, there appeared to be a code of omerta and patriarchy.
An evil act of intimidation like the Mafia uses is more likely, but this goes against the culture of the ‘omerta’.
Vendetta in the Vineyard: Cult Brunello Producer Loses All His WineBarbie Latza Nadeau
December 8, 2012
Historical Examples
In point of fact, however, the "Omerta" is not confined to Italians.
Courts and CriminalsArthur Train
Out of this feeling grew the "Omerta," which paralyzes the arm of justice both in Naples and Sicily.
Courts and CriminalsArthur Train
The reader will observe how the silence of "the man of honor" is not remotely associated with the Omerta.
Courts and CriminalsArthur Train
You received the kiss upon both cheeks, you accepted the salutation on the brow, you took the oath of the Omerta!
"Persons Unknown"Virginia Tracy
omertà
- a conspiracy of silence
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for omerta
n.
1909, from dialectal form of Italian umilta "humility," in reference to the code of submission of individuals to the group interest, from Latin humilitas (see humility).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper