Collusion Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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collusion
[kəˈluːʒ(ə)n ]
Definitions
political
Secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| collusion |
When two or more parties secretly cooperate, especially to deceive or cheat others.
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| conspiracy |
A secret plan by a group to do something harmful or illegal.
|
| plot |
A secret, often detailed plan by a group or individual to accomplish a specific purpose, usually sinister or harmful.
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| connivance |
When someone allows something wrong to happen by being deliberately silent or inactive.
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Examples of usage
- Several companies were fined for collusion in fixing prices.
- The investigation revealed collusion between the politicians and the lobbyists.
general
A secret understanding between two or more persons to gain something illegally.
Synonyms
collaboration, conspiracy, cooperation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| collusion |
Used when two or more people secretly agree to do something illegal or deceitful.
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| collaboration |
Refers to working together with others to achieve a common goal, usually in a positive and productive manner.
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| cooperation |
Indicates working together in harmony to achieve a shared objective, often emphasizes mutual assistance and trust.
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| conspiracy |
Implies a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful, often carries a negative connotation.
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Examples of usage
- The two students were caught in collusion during the exam.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Law
- Collusion often arises in legal contexts, such as competition law, where companies might secretly agree to manipulate market conditions.
- In contract law, collusion can render agreements void if they are found to involve deceitful cooperation.
- Legal definitions of collusion can vary between jurisdictions, affecting how cases are argued in courts.
Pop Culture
- Films and television often depict collusion in crime dramas, illustrating how characters plot together against a common goal.
- Notable works like 'House of Cards' showcase political collusion, reflecting real-world controversies in governance.
- The concept frequently appears in conspiracy theories, where groups are alleged to secretly coordinate actions for ulterior motives.
History
- Collusion has played a significant role in historical scandals, such as Watergate, where individuals secretly collaborated to cover up wrongdoing.
- Various historical treaties and agreements have been regarded as collusion, where countries may join forces for advantage without transparency.
- The Enron scandal highlighted the repercussions of corporate collusion, demonstrating the impact on investors and the economy.
Psychology
- People engaged in collusion may experience cognitive dissonance, as their actions contradict personal morals or societal norms.
- The phenomenon reveals how group dynamics can encourage individuals to compromise their values for collective benefits.
- Studies suggest that collusion can thrive in environments where competition and rewards create pressure to achieve success through unethical means.
Origin of 'collusion'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'colludere,' which means 'to play together,' often with a deceitful intent.
- Initially used in a legal context, it has gradually broadened to apply to various forms of secretive agreements.
- As languages evolved, the term started appearing in English texts in the late 15th century, highlighting its long-standing association with deceit.
The word 'collusion' originated in the mid-14th century from the Latin word 'collusionem', meaning 'a secret agreement, conspiracy'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, often in reference to illegal or deceitful actions between individuals or groups.