Conspiring

/kənˈspaɪr.ɪŋ/ verb

Definition

Secretly planning with others to do something illegal or harmful.

Etymology

From Latin 'conspirare' (con- 'together' + spirare 'to breathe'). Literally means 'to breathe together,' capturing the idea of people coming together secretly to plot something.

Kelly Says

The word 'conspiracy' comes from literal breathing together—which is why spies used coded language and met in secret, trying to make sure no one could overhear their shared breath and catch their plot.

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