noun
Common
conspiracy
kuhn-SPIH-ruh-see
Conspiracy (noun) means a secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal. Example: “Police believe the break-ins were part of a conspiracy involving several employees.”
noun
1
A secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal.
"Police believe the break-ins were part of a conspiracy involving several employees."
"The trial uncovered a conspiracy to defraud investors."
"They were charged with conspiracy to commit fraud."
2
A theory claiming that a secret group is responsible for an event, often without solid evidence.
"He believes every conspiracy theory he reads online."
How to use conspiracy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA secret plot between people, or a theory claiming one exists.
Common pairings
conspiracy theory
conspiracy to commit
a wide-ranging conspiracy
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Word forms
- Plural
- conspiracies
- Third person singular
- conspiracies
- Past tense
- conspiracied
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Police believe the break-ins were part of a _____ involving several employees.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman conspiracie, from Latin conspiratio, formed from conspire plus -acy.
Related words
Rhymes for conspiracy
See all rhymes for conspiracy →Frequently asked questions
What does “conspiracy” mean?
The word “conspiracy” means a secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal. In plain terms, a secret plot between people, or a theory claiming one exists.
How do you pronounce “conspiracy”?
“Conspiracy” is pronounced kuhn-SPIH-ruh-see (/kənˈspɪɹəsi/ in IPA).
How do you use “conspiracy” in a sentence?
Here is “conspiracy” used in a sentence: “The trial uncovered a conspiracy to defraud investors.”
What part of speech is “conspiracy”?
“Conspiracy” is a noun.
Where does the word “conspiracy” come from?
The word “conspiracy” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman conspiracie, from Latin conspiratio, formed from conspire plus -acy.
Is “conspiracy” a common word?
“Conspiracy” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “conspiracy” have?
“Conspiracy” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal.
What is the difference between a 'conspiracy' and a 'conspiracy theory'?
A 'conspiracy' is an actual secret plan made by two or more people to do something harmful or illegal. A 'conspiracy theory' is a claim that a secret group is responsible for an event, often without solid evidence. One is a real hidden plot, while the other is an unproven explanation for something.
What is the difference between 'conspiracy' and 'collusion'?
'Conspiracy' emphasises a secret plan to do something harmful or illegal, and it is often a criminal charge in itself. 'Collusion' refers to secret cooperation for a deceitful or unfair purpose, which may not always be a crime. Conspiracy usually implies planned wrongdoing, while collusion stresses the secret working together.
What is the difference between a 'conspiracy' and a 'plot'?
Both involve a secret plan, but 'conspiracy' specifically requires two or more people acting together and usually implies something harmful or illegal. A 'plot' can be devised by a single person and is a more general word for a secret scheme, whether wicked or merely mischievous.
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