Conspiration (en. Conspiracy)

/kɔ̃.spira.sjɔ̃/

Meaning & Definition

EnglishFrench
noun
Secret agreement between several people in order to commit a wrongdoing.
They were accused of conspiracy against the state.
Ils ont été accusés de conspiration contre l'État.
Theory suggesting that events are controlled by a hidden group.
The conspiracy surrounding this event sparked much debate.
La conspiration autour de cet événement a suscité de nombreux débats.
Secret or clandestine movement.
A conspiracy was underway to overthrow the government.
Une conspiration était en cours pour renverser le gouvernement.

Etymology

From Latin 'conspirationem', meaning 'to breathe together'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

conspiracy of silence
A tacit agreement not to speak about a subject.
conspiration du silence
conspiracy theory
An explanation suggesting that significant events are the result of a secret plot.
théorie de la conspiration
to be complicit in a conspiracy
To secretly participate in an illegal act.
être complice d'une conspiration

Related Words

plot
A secret plan, often to harm someone.
complot
intrigue
Secret maneuvers to obtain something, often in a malicious way.
intrigue
scheming
Secret and sneaky actions to achieve one's ends.
manigance

Slang Meanings

Conspiracy theory
Many people believe in conspiracy theories about certain public figures.
Beaucoup de gens croient à des théories du complot à propos de certaines personnalités publiques.
Setup
He thinks it's a setup to discredit him.
Il pense que c'est un coup monté pour le discréditer.