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Conspire: meaning, definitions and examples

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conspire

 

[kənˈspaɪər ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

secret plan

To conspire means to secretly plan with someone to do something illegal or harmful. It often involves two or more people. Conspiracy theories are popular topics of discussion in modern society. People may conspire to commit crimes, overthrow governments, or manipulate events for their own benefit.

Synonyms

collude, plot, scheme.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
conspire

This word is often used to describe when people secretly plan something harmful or illegal together. The connotation is usually negative.

  • The group conspired to overthrow the government
  • They were arrested for conspiring to commit fraud
plot

This word is commonly used when discussing secret plans to do something harmful or illegal, like a crime. It can also be used in less serious situations, such as in literature to describe the storyline.

  • The villains plotted to steal the treasure
  • The novel's plot twists kept readers on the edge of their seats
scheme

This word can have a negative connotation when referring to a dishonest plan. However, it can also be neutral or even positive when referring to an organized plan or project in a general sense.

  • The company schemed to evade taxes
  • They devised a scheme to improve productivity at work
collude

This word usually implies that people are working together in secret for a deceitful or dishonest purpose. It is often used in legal or political contexts and has a negative connotation.

  • Businesses were found to collude to fix prices
  • The officials were accused of colluding with criminals

Examples of usage

  • They conspired to overthrow the government and install a dictator.
  • The group conspired to sabotage the competition by spreading false rumors.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originates from the Latin 'conspirare', which means 'to breathe together', highlighting a sense of unity in secret plans.
  • In Middle English, the word evolved to carry a more sinister meaning, relating to plots against authority.
  • The prefix 'con-' means 'with', while 'spire' relates to 'breath', suggesting a closeness in secretive actions.

Pop Culture

  • Conspiracy theories have appeared in numerous films and novels, often portraying secret organizations manipulating world events.
  • In popular music, references to conspiracy can often be found, such as in songs discussing hidden agendas or secret relationships.
  • The internet has fueled the rise of conspiracy theories, turning concepts of 'conspiring' into viral content.

History

  • Historical events, like the Gunpowder Plot of 1605, involved individuals conspiring to overthrow authority, leading to lasting consequences.
  • In ancient Rome, conspiracies were frequent among politicians, culminating in the famous assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BC.
  • The term has been used in legal contexts to prosecute groups of individuals planning illegal actions together.

Psychology

  • People often conspire together due to a desire for power or influence, highlighting the darker aspects of human social behavior.
  • Research shows that individuals are more likely to engage in conspiratorial thinking when they feel isolated or powerless.
  • The theory of social identity suggests that people derive belonging and self-esteem from being part of a group conspiring against a common enemy.

Literature

  • Conspiracy is a common theme in literature, with novels like '1984' depicting plots against oppressive regimes.
  • Shakespeare often explored conspiratorial themes, notably in 'Julius Caesar', where betrayal leads to tragic outcomes.
  • The classic mystery genre frequently revolves around conspiracies, challenging readers to uncover hidden motives behind characters' actions.

Translations

Translations of the word "conspire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 conspirar

🇮🇳 साजिश करना

🇩🇪 verschwören

🇮🇩 bersekongkol

🇺🇦 змовлятися

🇵🇱 spiskować

🇯🇵 共謀する

🇫🇷 conspirer

🇪🇸 conspirar

🇹🇷 komplo kurmak

🇰🇷 음모를 꾸미다

🇸🇦 يتآمر

🇨🇿 spiknout se

🇸🇰 sprisahať sa

🇨🇳 密谋

🇸🇮 zarotiti se

🇮🇸 samsæri

🇰🇿 қастандық жасау

🇬🇪 შეთქმულება

🇦🇿 sui-qəsd etmək

🇲🇽 conspirar

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,242, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.