Main Entry: con·nive

Pronunciation: \kə-ˈnīv\

Function: intransitive verb

Inflected Form(s): con·nived; con·niv·ing

Etymology: French or Latin; French conniver, from Latin conivēre, connivēre to close the eyes, connive, from com- + -nivēre (akin to nictare to wink); akin to Old English & Old High German hnīgan to bow

Date: 1601

1 : to pretend ignorance of or fail to take action against something one ought to oppose <the government connived in the rebels' military buildup>
2 a : to be indulgent or in secret sympathy : wink b : to cooperate secretly or have a secret understanding
3 : conspire, intrigue <accused his opponents of conniving to defeat the proposal>

— con·niv·er noun