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Conspiracy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'conspiracy'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'conspiracy' originated from the Latin word 'conspirare', meaning 'to act in harmony'. In English, it was first used in the 14th century to refer to a combination of persons for an evil purpose. Over time, the term evolved to encompass secret plans or schemes, often with negative connotations. The concept of conspiracy has been a recurring theme in history, literature, and popular culture, reflecting society's fascination with hidden agendas and clandestine activities.

See also: conspirator, conspiring.

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.