conspiracy

Definition of conspiracy

Etymology

The verb conspire generally accepted of coming from the Latin roots con ("with"), and spiro ("I breathe") - so 'to conspire' literally means 'to breathe together'.

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kənˈspirəsi:/
• {{|Audio (US)}}

Noun

conspiracy (plural conspiracies)

1. The act of two or more persons, called conspirators, working secretly to obtain some goal, usually understood with negative connotations.
2. (law) An agreement between two or more persons to break the law at some time in the future.
3. A group of ravens.

Derived terms

• conspiracy theory

Related terms

• conspire
• conspirator

Further reading

Conspiracy (crime)

In the criminal law, a conspiracy is an agreement between two or more persons to break the law at some time in the future, and, in some cases, with at least one overt act in furtherance of that agreement. There is no limit on the number participating in the conspiracy and, in most countries, no requirement that any steps have been taken to put the plan into effect (compare attempts which require proximity to the full offence). For the purposes of concurrence, the actus reus is a continuing one and parties may join the plot later and incur joint liability and conspiracy can be charged where the co-conspirators have been acquitted or cannot be traced. Finally, repentance by one or more parties does not affect liability but may reduce their sentence.