conspiracy etymology

Etymology

The word "conspiracy" comes from the Latin word "conspirare," which means "to breathe together." This Latin word is derived from the prefix "con," meaning "together," and the verb "spirare," meaning "to breathe."

Meaning and Origin

In its original Latin usage, "conspirare" referred to the physical act of breathing together. It was often used in a positive sense, implying cooperation or unity. However, over time, the word acquired a more sinister connotation.

In the 14th century, "conspiracy" began to be used in English to describe a secret agreement between two or more people to commit a crime. This definition has remained relatively consistent over time.

Today, "conspiracy" is typically used to refer to a belief in the existence of a secret plan or plot by a group of people to achieve some malicious or illegal goal. Conspiracy theories often involve accusations of government cover-ups, hidden agendas, or sinister forces working behind the scenes.

conspiracy relate terms

  • conspire

    Etymology The word conspire comes from the Latin word conspirare which means to br

  • spirit

    Etymology The word spirit is derived from the Latin word spiritus which means breat

  • confederacy

    Etymology Late 16th century from French confédération or from Latin confoederatio

  • cabal

    Etymology The word cabal has its origins in the Hebrew word kabbalah which means to

  • confederacy

    Etymology Late 16th century from French confédération or from Latin confoederatio

  • conjuration

    Etymology Latin conjuratio conspiracy incantation Root con with jurare to sw

  • machination

    Etymology The word machination has its roots in Latin Machina a machine device

  • band

    Etymology The word band comes from the Old English word bend which originally meant

  • circle

    Etymology The English word circle comes from the Latin word circulus a diminutive o

  • cleric

    Etymology The word cleric is derived from the following Latin clericus Greek kler