collusion

American  

[kuh-loo-zhuhn] / kəˈlu ʒən /

noun

1. a secret agreement, especially for fraudulent or treacherous purposes; conspiracy.

   Some of his employees were acting in collusion to rob him.

   Synonyms:

   complicity, connivance, intrigue

2. Law. a secret understanding between two or more persons to gain something illegally, to defraud someone's rights, or to appear as adversaries though in agreement.

   collusion of husband and wife to obtain a divorce.

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collusion British  

/ kəˈluːʒən /

noun

1. secret agreement for a fraudulent purpose; connivance; conspiracy

2. a secret agreement between opponents at law in order to obtain a judicial decision for some wrongful or improper purpose

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Other Word Forms

• collusive adjective
• noncollusion noun
• precollusion noun

Etymology

Origin of collusion

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (from Middle French ) from Latin collūsiōn- (stem of collūsiō ), equivalent to collūs(us) (past participle of collūdere to collude ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

Other municipalities, too, have filed lawsuits alleging collusion among fire-engine makers, including the city of La Crosse, Wis., and Augusta, Maine.

From The Wall Street Journal

Evidence of state collusion has been found, leading the government to agree to establish an independent public inquiry 17 months ago.

From BBC

On Monday, they are expected to first decide whether Lai's collusion offences were "of a grave nature" and, if so, settle on a prison term of between 10 years and life.

From Barron's

Since 2021, she has been serving a 13-year sentence for "propaganda activity against the state" and "collusion against state security", charges she denies.

From BBC

Starmer is expected to discuss the case of Hong Kong media mogul and democracy supporter Jimmy Lai, 78, who is facing years in prison after being found guilty of collusion charges in December.

From Barron's

Related Words

• complicity
• conspiracy
• deceit
• scam