conspiracy theory

[ kuhn-spir-uh-see theer-ee ]

noun

1. a theory that rejects the standard explanation for an event and instead credits a covert group or organization with carrying out a secret plot:

   One popular conspiracy theory accuses environmentalists of sabotage in last year's mine collapse.

2. a belief that a particular unexplained event was caused by such a covert group:

   A number of conspiracy theories have already emerged, purporting to explain last week's disappearance of a commercial flight over international waters.

3. the idea that many important political events or economic and social trends are the products of deceptive plots that are largely unknown to the general public:

   The more I learn about the activities of intelligence agencies, the less far-fetched I find many geopolitical conspiracy theories.

conspiracy theory

noun

1. the belief that the government or a covert organization is responsible for an event that is unusual or unexplained, esp when any such involvement is denied

Other Words From

• conspiracy theorist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of conspiracy theory¹

First recorded in 1905-10

Example Sentences

These include calling pro-choice protesters fat and ugly, defending the racist and antisemitic “Great Replacement” conspiracy theory, and associating with Holocaust deniers.

From Los Angeles Times

Again, he doesn’t concern himself with the elaborate details of this or that discredited election-fraud conspiracy theory.

From Salon

The conspiracy theory, we want to reiterate, went unanswered as it was blasted to millions of people.

From Slate

The dispassionate expertise from the medical community provided some kind of solid ground in a frightening time, despite Trump’s politicization of the disaster—even as the figureheads were assaulted by misinformation powerful enough that Anthony Fauci, years later, would still face heated conspiracy theory–based accusations from members of Congress.

From Slate

RFK Jr. appears to be a proud inheritor of the Bircher conspiracy theory about fluoride in the water.

From Salon