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Conspiracy: meaning, definitions and examples

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conspiracy

 

[kənˈspɪrəsi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

theory

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

Synonyms

collusion, plot, scheme.

Examples of usage

  • The conspiracy theory claimed that the moon landing was fake.
  • The conspiracy to assassinate the president was uncovered by the FBI.
Context #2 | Noun

group

A group of people who are involved in a secret plan to commit an illegal or wrongful act.

Synonyms

cabal, faction, syndicate.

Examples of usage

  • The conspiracy was led by a powerful political figure.
  • The criminal conspiracy was brought to light by an anonymous tip.
Context #3 | Noun

belief

The belief that some covert but influential organization is responsible for a circumstance or event.

Synonyms

notion, paranoia, theory.

Examples of usage

  • The conspiracy that the government is controlled by aliens is widespread among certain groups.
  • The conspiracy of a shadowy elite manipulating world events is a popular theme in fiction.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'conspirare', meaning 'to breathe together', hinting at people working closely together.
  • In Middle English, it appeared as 'conspiracye', showing its long-standing presence in the language.
  • The term has been used in legal contexts dating back to the 14th century, often associated with treason or plotting against the state.

Pop Culture

  • Conspiracy theories have become prevalent in movies and books, fueling genres like thrillers and mysteries.
  • Popular films such as 'The Parallax View' and 'JFK' explore themes of hidden plots and government cover-ups.
  • In modern media, social platforms often amplify conspiracy theories, raising debates about information credibility.

Psychology

  • People are often drawn to conspiracy theories as a way to find meaning in complex or chaotic events.
  • Studies suggest that individuals with a higher need for uniqueness might be more likely to endorse conspiratorial beliefs.
  • Conspiracy thinking can lead to distrust in institutions and authorities, impacting societal cohesion.

History

  • Historically, plots such as the Gunpowder Plot of 1605 involved conspirators attempting to overthrow the government.
  • In ancient Rome, the Catiline Conspiracy was an infamous plot to assassinate leading politicians.
  • Modern history is dotted with alleged conspiracies, such as theories surrounding the assassination of JFK and the Watergate scandal.

Literature

  • Many classic novels, like 'The Da Vinci Code', revolve around conspiracies, captivating readers with twists and turns.
  • Authors like Dan Brown and John Grisham frequently incorporate conspiracy elements into their narratives.
  • Drama and tension often stem from hidden alliances and backdoor deals, making conspiracies a popular theme in fiction.

Translations

Translations of the word "conspiracy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conspiração

🇮🇳 साजिश

🇩🇪 Verschwörung

🇮🇩 konspirasi

🇺🇦 змова

🇵🇱 spisek

🇯🇵 陰謀 (いんぼう)

🇫🇷 conspiration

🇪🇸 conspiración

🇹🇷 komplo

🇰🇷 음모

🇸🇦 مؤامرة

🇨🇿 spiknutí

🇸🇰 sprisahanie

🇨🇳 阴谋 (yīnmóu)

🇸🇮 zarota

🇮🇸 samsæri

🇰🇿 қастандық

🇬🇪 შეთქმულება

🇦🇿 sui-qəsd

🇲🇽 conspiración

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,808 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.