Definition
omertas
noun
- plural of omerta; codes of silence, especially the Mafia code of conduct that forbids members from cooperating with law enforcement or informing on other members
Usage: often capitalized when referring to the Sicilian Mafia code; used figuratively to describe any culture of silence or non-cooperation
Examples
- The investigation was hampered by the omertas that protected the crime family's members.
- Corporate omertas often shield executives from accountability.
- Breaking the omertas meant risking severe consequences.
- The journalist exposed the omertas within the organization.
- Historical accounts describe the strict omertas enforced by organized crime syndicates.