Collude: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when two or more parties secretly work together to deceive or cheat someone.

• They were found guilty of collusion to fix prices.
• The companies colluded to avoid competition.

Often refers to plotting together to perform an illegal or harmful action.

• They conspired to overthrow the government.
• The employees were conspiring to steal company secrets.

Used when planning something dangerous or illegal, typically in secret. Also used in literature to refer to the sequence of events in a story.

• The group plotted to rob the bank.
• The novel's plot was full of twists.

Refers to making secret or underhanded plans, often with a focus on personal gain.

• She was always scheming to get more money.
• The politician was involved in a scheme to defraud voters.

Implies secret cooperation or sympathy with wrongful actions, often by ignoring or pretending not to see them.

• She connived at her friend's deceitful plan.
• The teacher was accused of conniving with the students to cheat on the exam.

Typically used when individuals or groups work together secretly for harmful or illegal purposes. The term often implies a negative connotation and a level of deceit.

• The companies were found to have colluded to fix prices.
• Politicians were accused of colluding with foreign agents.

Used when someone is disloyal to a person, group, or principle. It often implies breaking trust and causing harm or disappointment.

• She felt betrayed by her best friend.
• He was accused of betraying his country.

Indicates a secret plan made by two or more people to do something unlawful or harmful. Like 'collude', it carries a negative connotation.

• The thieves conspired to rob the bank.
• They conspired against the new manager to get him fired.

Refers to a secret plan to achieve an illegal or harmful end. It is often used in the context of dramatic actions such as rebellion, coups, or assassination.

• They plotted to overthrow the government.
• The villains were plotting the hero's downfall.

This phrase is used when someone compromises their personal integrity, principles, or loyalty, often for personal gain such as money or power. It carries a strong negative connotation.

• He sold out his colleagues to avoid imprisonment.
• Many fans felt that the band sold out after signing a mainstream record deal.