cartel
cartel Lexical Profile
cartel Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, powerful criminal organization or network, especially one involved in the illicit production and trafficking of narcotics.
"The investigative journalist published a detailed report on how the cartel laundered billions of dollars through offshore accounts."
An association of manufacturers or suppliers created with the purpose of maintaining high prices and restricting competition.
"Antitrust regulators launched an investigation into the international shipping cartel for illegal price-fixing."
A coalition or cooperative arrangement between political parties or interest groups formed to promote a mutual goal.
"Several smaller factions formed a parliamentary cartel to block the proposed constitutional amendments."
A formal written agreement between belligerent nations, especially regarding the exchange and treatment of prisoners of war (historical).
"The two opposing commanders signed a formal cartel governing the safe return of captured officers."
• Rhymes for cartel
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-16th century from French 'cartel', from Italian 'cartello' ('placard' or 'written challenge'), diminutive of 'carta' ('paper' or 'card'), from Latin 'charta'. The modern economic sense of a coalition of businesses emerged in the late 19th century via German 'Kartell'.