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Collusive: meaning, definitions and examples

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collusive

 

[ kəˈluːsɪv ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

illegal agreement

Collusive refers to actions or agreements made by two or more parties with the intention to deceive or defraud. This behavior is often seen in contexts such as business practices, where companies may engage in collusion to manipulate markets or set prices. Collusive activities are deemed illegal and unethical, as they undermine fair competition.

Synonyms

conspiratorial, fraudulent, secretive

Examples of usage

  • The companies were accused of collusive practices.
  • Their collusive behavior led to higher prices for consumers.
  • Investigators uncovered a collusive agreement between firms.

Etymology

The term 'collusive' is derived from 'collusion', which comes from the Latin word 'colludere', meaning 'to play together' or 'to conspire'. 'Colludere' is composed of the prefix 'col-', meaning 'together', and 'ludere', meaning 'to play'. The modern usage of 'collusion' began to emerge in the late 16th century, primarily in legal contexts referring to secret agreements that were made for deceitful purposes. Over time, the definition has expanded to include any kind of conspiratorial agreement, especially in business or political contexts, highlighting the ongoing concerns regarding fairness and integrity in competitive practices. The adjective 'collusive' began to be used in the 20th century, reflecting a growing emphasis on the need for regulation and transparency in various industries.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,507, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.