The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner

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conspire

verb

/kənˈspʌɪə/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of conspire

To secretly plan or collaborate with others to do something that is usually illegal or harmful.
"Sometimes, it feels like the traffic lights conspire against me."

Detailed meaning of conspire

It involves a group of people working together in a coordinated and covert manner to achieve a shared goal. This goal may be anything from committing a crime, overthrowing a government, or even plotting a surprise party. The key element of conspiracy is the secrecy and the intent to do something that is not open and transparent. When people conspire, they typically try to keep their plans hidden from others and communicate in a way that is difficult for outsiders to understand. Conspiracy is often associated with suspicion, mistrust, and secrecy, and it can have serious legal and social consequences.

Example sentences containing conspire

1. They often conspire to surprise their friends on birthdays.
2. The clouds seem to conspire with the wind for a perfect storm.
3. The children conspire to make breakfast in bed for their mother.
4. Cats and dogs cannot conspire, despite what cartoons suggest.
5. The employees conspire to bring changes to the work environment.
6. When siblings conspire, it's either really good or really bad.

History and etymology of conspire

The verb 'conspire' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'conspirare,' which is formed from 'con-' meaning 'together' and 'spirare' meaning 'to breathe.' This etymology intriguingly conveys the essence of 'conspire' as the act of figuratively 'breathing together' with others in a clandestine manner to secretly plan or collaborate on something, often illegal or harmful in nature. It implies a collective effort among individuals who come together with a shared purpose, typically involving schemes or actions hidden from public view. The term 'conspire' maintains its etymological connection to the concept of working together covertly, highlighting the secretive and often nefarious nature of conspiracies and the plotting that takes place within them.

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Further usage examples of conspire

1. The team needs to conspire creatively to win the innovation contest.
2. In the story, elves and dwarves conspire to defeat the dragon.
3. When artists and technologists conspire, amazing things can happen.
4. The chefs conspire to create a secret dish for the competition.
5. The rebels conspire in shadows to overthrow the tyrant.
6. Does the weather conspire to be awful every time we plan a picnic?
7. They conspire in whispers, glancing around to ensure no one listens.
8. The critics conspire to reveal the truth about the scandal.
9. The musicians conspire to produce a unique fusion of genres.
10. With a secret handshake, the kids conspire to start a neighborhood club.
11. The poets conspire under moonlight to pen verses that would change the world.
12. The animals in the forest conspire to save their habitat from destruction.
13. The engineers conspire to design a machine that can clean the oceans.
14. The rebels conspired to overthrow the government.