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