Conspiracy

Definition

Conspiracy refers to a secret plan by two or more individuals to commit an unlawful, harmful, or deceitful act. It often involves collusion and intent to deceive or harm others, typically in the context of illegal activities or covert agreements.

Parts of Speech

• Noun (a secret plan or agreement to commit an illegal act)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈspɪrəsi/
• Respelling: kuhn-SPEER-uh-see

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kənˈspɪrəsi/
• Respelling: kuhn-SPIH-ruh-see

Etymology

The word "conspiracy" is derived from the Latin "conspirare," meaning "to agree, plot, or unite." It is a combination of "con-" (together) and "spirare" (to breathe), signifying a group breathing together in secret, aiming at a common goal.

Derivatives

• Conspire (verb)
• Conspirator (noun)
• Conspiratorial (adjective)
• Co-conspirator (noun)
• Conspiringly (adverb)

Synonyms

• Plot
• Scheme
• Collusion

Antonyms

• Honesty
• Transparency
• Openness

Usage

The term "conspiracy" is commonly used in legal and informal contexts. It refers to secret plans devised by individuals to commit illegal or harmful actions. It is also widely used in the context of "conspiracy theories," which are beliefs that suggest covert operations by powerful groups to control or manipulate events.

Related Terms

• Conspiracy theory: A belief that certain events or situations are the result of secret plots by powerful groups.
• Collusion: Secretive or illegal cooperation, especially to deceive others.
• Plot: A secret plan to carry out a harmful or illegal act.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A secret plan by a group to commit an unlawful or harmful act: A coordinated effort by multiple individuals aimed at achieving illegal or harmful objectives.
  • Example: "The investigation revealed a complex conspiracy to embezzle funds from the corporation."
• The act of conspiring together: The process of individuals collaborating secretly to achieve a specific unlawful goal.
  • Example: "The group was charged with conspiracy for plotting to smuggle illegal goods."