Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

criminal-empire

noun

/ˈkrɪmɪnəl ˈɛmpaɪər/

Definition

A large organization that engages in illegal activities.

Examples

The infamous criminal empire controlled much of the city’s underworld.
Many films portray the rise and fall of characters involved in a criminal empire.
Law enforcement agencies are working to dismantle the criminal empire that has thrived for years.

Meaning

A criminal empire refers to an extensive network of businesses and individuals involved in various types of crime, including drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering, often running operations much like a legitimate corporation.