conspire

con·spire

verb \kən-ˈspī(-ə)r\

: to secretly plan with someone to do something that is harmful or illegal

: to happen in a way that produces bad or unpleasant results

con·spiredcon·spir·ing

Full Definition of CONSPIRE

transitive verb

:  plot, contrive

intransitive verb

1

a :  to join in a secret agreement to do an unlawful or wrongful act or an act which becomes unlawful as a result of the secret agreement <accused of conspiring to overthrow the government>

b :  scheme

2

:  to act in harmony toward a common end <circumstances conspired to defeat his efforts>

Examples of CONSPIRE

1. <conspired to replace the leader with someone more easily influenced>
2. <foul weather and airline foul-ups seemed to be conspiring to ruin our vacation>

Origin of CONSPIRE

Middle English, from Anglo-French conspirer, from Latin conspirare to be in harmony, conspire, from com- + spirare to breathe

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to CONSPIRE

Synonyms

collude, compass, connive, plot, contrive, intrigue, machinate, put up, scheme

Related Words

counterplot; brew, concoct, cook (up), devise, hatch; engineer, jockey, maneuver, manipulate; design, frame, lay out, map, plan, shape

Rhymes with CONSPIRE

attire, backfire, bemire, catch fire, cross fire, denier, desire, entire, for hire, fox fire, Greek fire, grey friar, hang fire, hellfire, live wire, on fire, prior, rimfire, sapphire, sea fire, snow tire, town crier, trip wire, umpire, watch fire, white friar