conspiracy
kun-SPIR-uh-see
/kənˈspɪrəsi/
A secret plan or agreement by a group to commit an unlawful or harmful act.
The legal crime of conspiracy exists as soon as agreement and an overt act take place, even if the main goal is not achieved.
The story behind the word. Originates from Latin 'conspirare' (to breathe together or agree), evoking conspirators whispering closely together in secret.
Word relationships
- collusion: Collusion often refers to secretive corporate or financial deception without always being a criminal conspiracy charge.
Commonly confused with
- collusion: Conspiracy is a specific criminal charge involving joint plans; collusion is broader corporate or competitive maneuvering.
Word family
- conspire (verb): To make secret plans jointly to commit an unlawful act.
- conspirator (noun): A person who takes part in a conspiracy.
Collocations
- conspiracy theory
- conspiracy to commit fraud
- unlawful conspiracy
Example sentences
- "The defendants were convicted of conspiracy to commit insider trading after encrypted messages revealed their joint plot." Federal court ruling
Memory hook
CONSPIRATORS BREATHE TOGETHER (spirare) as they whisper their evil plans. Secret joint agreement to commit crime.
When not to use
Do not use to describe a single individual acting entirely alone.
Fun facts
- In federal law, a prosecutor can charge conspiracy even if the intended crime was never successfully carried out.
Related words
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