omertà
/o.merˈta/feminine
The Italian word omertà means code of silence amongst members of the Mafia.
The term omertà refers to a code of silence or non-cooperation with authorities, especially within organized crime.
Meaning: code of silence amongst members of the Mafia (noun)
How do you pronounce it?
The word is pronounced /o.merˈta/. It has 3 syllables, with the stress on the 3rd of 3 syllables.
Did you know?
- Breaking omertà is known as becoming a pentito, which literally means 'one who has repented'.
- While English speakers associate omertà only with the Mafia, it originally described a cultural code of honor and self-reliance in rural Southern Italy to avoid dealing with the state.
- The word omertà is a linguistic relative of the Italian word umiltà meaning 'humility'. Both words share the same Latin ancestor humilitātem.
Examples in context
- L'omertà è un problema per la giustizia.The code of silence is a problem for justice.
- Devono rispettare l'omertà in quel mondo.They must respect the code of silence in that world.
- L'omertà protegge i criminali dalla polizia.The code of silence protects criminals from the police.
Example conversation
Lorenzo and Sofia are discussing a crime news report in a café.
- LorenzoPerché nessuno parla di questo caso?Why is nobody talking about this case?
- SofiaÈ colpa dell'omertà che regna in città.It is due to the code of silence that reigns in the city.
- LorenzoÈ davvero tragico per la nostra comunità.It is truly tragic for our community.
- SofiaSì, Lorenzo, la situazione è molto difficile.Yes, Lorenzo, the situation is very difficult.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “omertà” translations and entries omertà, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries omertà, CC BY-SA 4.0.
