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Conspirator Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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conspirator

[kษ™nหˆspษชrษ™tษ™r ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in politics

A person who takes part in a secret plan to commit an unlawful or harmful act, especially against a government or ruler.

Synonyms

plotter, schemer, traitor.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conspirator

Generally used to refer to someone involved in a harmful or secretive plan with others. Often used in legal or political contexts.

  • The police arrested the conspirator behind the bank heist
  • During the trial, it was proven that he was a key conspirator in the corruption scandal
plotter

Best used to describe someone who actively creates detailed plans, especially for something harmful or illegal. Shares a similar context with 'conspirator' but can refer more generally to any planned action.

  • The plotter spent weeks mapping out the robbery
  • In the novel, the plotter's intricate schemes are slowly revealed
traitor

Used with a strong negative connotation to describe someone who betrays a friend, group, or country. It conveys a sense of disloyalty and treachery.

  • The man was labeled a traitor after sharing secrets with the enemy
  • History often remembers traitors more vividly than heroes
schemer

Often used to describe someone who is cunning and devises clever plans, usually for personal gain. This word can have a somewhat negative connotation depending on the context.

  • He's always been a schemer, finding ways to get what he wants
  • The student's schemer mind helped him excel in competitive environments

Examples of usage

  • He was arrested as a conspirator in the plot to overthrow the government.
  • The conspirators were planning an assassination attempt on the president.
Context #2 | Noun

general

A person who is involved in a conspiracy, often working covertly with others to achieve a specific goal.

Synonyms

co-conspirator, collaborator, partner in crime.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conspirator

Used to describe someone who is involved in a secret plan to do something harmful or illegal. It often carries a negative connotation.

  • The police arrested the conspirator behind the bank robbery.
  • They suspected him of being a conspirator in the political assassination.
collaborator

Generally means someone who works together on a project or task, often in a positive or neutral context. However, in certain historical contexts, it can have a negative connotation when referring to someone who cooperates with an enemy.

  • She is a trusted collaborator on many scientific research projects.
  • During the war, he was seen as a collaborator with the occupying forces.
co-conspirator

Specifically refers to one of the multiple individuals involved in a conspiracy. It also has a negative connotation due to its association with illegal activities.

  • The co-conspirators met in a secluded location to discuss their plan.
  • She was identified as a co-conspirator in the embezzlement scheme.
partner in crime

A colloquial and somewhat humorous way to refer to someone who participates in mischievous or questionable activities with another person. It may not always be used in a serious context.

  • They were childhood friends and partners in crime, always getting into trouble together.
  • My roommate is my partner in crime when it comes to midnight snack runs.

Examples of usage

  • The conspirators met in secret to discuss their next move.
  • She was accused of being a conspirator in the corporate fraud scheme.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Historical Events

  • In 1605, a group of conspirators planned the Gunpowder Plot to blow up the English Parliament and kill King James I.
  • In the United States, the conspirators behind the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln were tried and convicted, highlighting the legal consequences of such actions.

Psychology

  • Conspiracy theories often arise from a need to explain complex events by pointing to hidden motives of those in power.
  • Believing in conspiracies can provide a sense of control and understanding in a chaotic world.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Godfather' and 'V for Vendetta' explore themes of conspiracy where characters work together secretly for power or revenge.
  • Books like 'The Da Vinci Code' feature conspirators as central characters, keeping readers guessing about their true motives.

Legal Framework

  • In law, conspiracy charges require an agreement between two or more people to commit an illegal act, even if the act itself isnโ€™t carried out.
  • The prosecution often relies on communication evidence to prove a conspiracy, making it vital in high-profile criminal cases.

Origin of 'conspirator'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'conspirare', which means 'to breathe together', indicating agreement among a group.
  • It first appeared in English in the late 14th century, often relating to plots against kings or governments.

The word 'conspirator' originated from the Latin word 'conspirare', which means 'to breathe together'. It dates back to the late 15th century and has been used to describe individuals involved in secret plans or plots. Conspirators have played significant roles in history, sometimes shaping the course of events through their clandestine actions.

See also: conspiracy, conspiring.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,107, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.