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

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

From Seattle Times • Dec. 30, 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

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

As the result of this investigation the Honest Government League was formed, which succeeded in 1901 in entirely defeating the Camorra candidates at the municipal elections.

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