crime lord
Syndicate's top figure
A crime lord is someone who controls a large criminal organization, typically overseeing illegal enterprises like drug trafficking, gambling, or racketeering.
The term evokes hierarchical power—a boss at the top of an underworld empire: The crime lord ran the city's drug trade for decades.
Synonymous with kingpin or mob boss.
Male baptismal guardian
- donPut on attire
- kingpinCriminal organization's leader
- bossWorkplace superior
- capoString-shortening clamp device
overlord · patriarch · chieftain · mastermind · ringleader · underboss · consigliere · lieutenant
Combined group pursuing shared interest
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
- cartelPrice-fixing coalition
- outfitSet of clothes worn together
- triadGroup of three
yakuza · gang · network · empire · family · clan · ring · racket
Illegal transport for profit
- smugglingIllegal covert transport
- racketeeringConducting illegal business schemes
- launderingCleaning fabric items
- extortionObtaining through threats
bribery · narcotics · contraband · hitman · shakedown · protection · gambling · prostitution
Emotional response to threat
- terrorExtreme, overwhelming fear
- menaceSource of potential harm
- threatIndication of potential harm
- coercionPressured compliance through threats
dread · violence · retaliation · vendetta · assassination · brutality · ruthlessness · execution
godfather
Male baptismal guardian
capo · overlord · patriarch · chieftain · mastermind · ringleader · underboss · consigliere · lieutenant · enforcer
syndicate
Combined group pursuing shared interest
- mafiaCriminal organization using intimidation
- cartelPrice-fixing coalition
- outfitSet of clothes worn together
triad · yakuza · gang · network · empire · family · clan · ring · racket · consortium
trafficking
Illegal transport for profit
- smugglingIllegal covert transport
- racketeeringConducting illegal business schemes
- launderingCleaning fabric items
extortion · bribery · narcotics · contraband · hitman · shakedown · protection · gambling · prostitution · fencing
fear
Emotional response to threat
coercion · dread · violence · retaliation · vendetta · assassination · brutality · ruthlessness · execution · torture
dominance
Superior influence over others
reign · empire · territory · sovereignty · command · supremacy · authority · clout · reach · network
fortune
Wealth or destiny
laundered · offshore · illicit · opulence · extravagant · cash · gold · diamonds · casino · nightclub
- villainsvillain, antagonists, Darth Vader, evil characters, Joker
- organized crimemafia, mob, the mob, syndicate, syndicates
- fictional roleswizard, detective, pirate, spy, superhero
- UnderworldHades, Tartarus, netherworld, Sheol, Styx
- criminalsmurderer, thief, burglar, killer, robber
- Lordsliege, overlord, suzerain, milord, baron
crime lordpillar of the community
Respected local leader
philanthropist · civic leader · saint · captain of industry · community leader
crime lordpetty criminal
One who commits minor offenses
foot soldier · henchman · errand boy · underling · lackey
crime lordpolice chief
Law enforcement leader
crime fighter · district attorney · FBI director · detective · prosecutor
crime, criminal, lord, criminals, criminality, incriminate, incrimination, incriminating, crime boss