Definition of "wasta" [wasta]

• Intercession or mediation by people on behalf of others to whom they are connected by friendship or blood (noun)

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• "Well, this is the first anniversary of my discovery of the real meaning of the term wasta, "nepotism" or "connections", in our lives."
• "For those not acquainted with the term wasta, Samir Naim, professor of sociology at Ain Shams University in Cairo, explains that the word is an Egyptian invention applied to an act done by people who use their money or connections to get the act done."
• "The two with the most "wasta" -- or influence -- got boarding passes."