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Collusion: meaning, definitions and examples

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collusion

 

[kəˈluːʒ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

political

Secret agreement or cooperation especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose.

Synonyms

connivance, conspiracy, plot.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
collusion

When two or more parties secretly cooperate, especially to deceive or cheat others.

  • There was clear evidence of collusion between the company and the regulators.
  • The election results were questioned due to allegations of collusion.
conspiracy

A secret plan by a group to do something harmful or illegal.

  • The movie explores a conspiracy to overthrow the government.
  • He was charged with conspiracy to commit fraud.
plot

A secret, often detailed plan by a group or individual to accomplish a specific purpose, usually sinister or harmful.

  • The detectives uncovered a plot to rob the bank.
  • Many novels revolve around a plot to commit a crime.
connivance

When someone allows something wrong to happen by being deliberately silent or inactive.

  • His connivance in the plan made him equally guilty.
  • The manager's connivance with the fraud was evident.

Examples of usage

  • Several companies were fined for collusion in fixing prices.
  • The investigation revealed collusion between the politicians and the lobbyists.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A secret understanding between two or more persons to gain something illegally.

Synonyms

collaboration, conspiracy, cooperation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
collusion

Used when two or more people secretly agree to do something illegal or deceitful.

  • The company's executives were accused of collusion to fix prices.
  • There was evidence of collusion between the two firms to manipulate the market.
collaboration

Refers to working together with others to achieve a common goal, usually in a positive and productive manner.

  • The scientists' collaboration led to a groundbreaking discovery.
  • Successful business collaboration can drive innovation and growth.
cooperation

Indicates working together in harmony to achieve a shared objective, often emphasizes mutual assistance and trust.

  • International cooperation is essential to address global challenges.
  • The project was successful due to the excellent cooperation among team members.
conspiracy

Implies a secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful, often carries a negative connotation.

  • The group was arrested for conspiracy to commit fraud.
  • The conspiracy to overthrow the government was uncovered just in time.

Examples of usage

  • The two students were caught in collusion during the exam.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "collusion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conluio

🇮🇳 सांठगांठ

🇩🇪 Absprache

🇮🇩 kolusi

🇺🇦 змова

🇵🇱 zmowa

🇯🇵 共謀 (きょうぼう)

🇫🇷 collusion

🇪🇸 colusión

🇹🇷 danışıklı dövüş

🇰🇷 공모

🇸🇦 تواطؤ

🇨🇿 tajná dohoda

🇸🇰 tajná dohoda

🇨🇳 勾结 (gōujié)

🇸🇮 zarota

🇮🇸 samráð

🇰🇿 ымыраласу

🇬🇪 შეთქმულება

🇦🇿 sui-qəsd

🇲🇽 colusión

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,490, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.