Underworld

/ˈʌndərˌwɜrld/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A world or realm beneath the surface of the earth; often associated with the dead or the realm of the deceased.

In ancient mythology, the hero traveled to the underworld to seek counsel from the spirits of the dead.

A secret, often illegal or illicit society or organization, typically associated with crime or organized activities.

The police have been trying to infiltrate the underworld to dismantle the drug trafficking network.

A place where social evils are prevalent, often referred to in terms of a city's organized criminal activities.

The city was notorious for its underworld, where crime and corruption thrived.

In some mythologies, the mythical realm of the dead, often ruled by a god or goddess.

In Greek mythology, Hades is the god of the underworld, overseeing the souls of the deceased.

From the Old English 'under' meaning beneath + 'world' referring to the earthly realm.

underworld figure

A person who is involved in the criminal underworld.

dancing with the underworld

A phrase used to refer to engaging with dangerous or illegal people or activities.

nether

Referring to the lower regions or realms, often associated with the dead.

hades

In Greek mythology, the god of the underworld and the name of the underworld itself.

shadow

A dark area or shape produced by a body coming between rays of light and a surface.

The criminal underbelly or organized crime.

He got caught up in the underworld, dealing with shady characters.

Underbelly of society.

The documentary explored the underworld of drug trafficking in the city.