collusion

[ kuh-loo-zhuhn ]

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.

collusion

/ 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

Derived Forms

• colˈlusive, adjective

Other Words From

• noncol·lusion noun
• precol·lusion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of collusion¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of collusion¹

C14: from Latin collūsiō, from collūdere to collude

Example Sentences

He faces a sentence up to life imprisonment if convicted of collusion.

From BBC

House Republicans ultimately censured Schiff for saying publicly that there was “significant” and “compelling” evidence of collusion between Trump’s campaign and the Kremlin.

From Los Angeles Times

Reports of collusion between Yemen’s Houthis and al-Shabab, heightening risks of attacks in East Africa or on shipping in the Indian Ocean, may rekindle US interest in military operations.

From BBC

They lost family members in incidents they believe involved collusion between paramilitaries and security forces.

From BBC

US Special Counsel Robert Mueller investigated allegations of collusion between Trump's campaign and Russia in 2016, but said in a report three years later that had found no evidence of conspiracy.

From BBC

Related Words

• complicity
• conspiracy
• deceit
• scam