Conspiracy

Conspiracy, in common usage, is the act of working in secret to obtain some goal, usually understood with negative connotations. Etymologically, the term comes from Latin con- "with, together", and spirare "to breathe".

Other uses

Outside the realm of law, it is common for person(s) with some grievance to promote conspiracy theories--claims that some other group is involved in a conspiracy to promote some nefarious (and usually self-serving) end. Often times, the alleged conspirators are not identified with any specificity, and may include ethnic groups (i.e Jews), or socioeconomic classes (i.e. the rich). Many such theories are advanced with scant evidence (or none at all); in many cases what evidence is advanced is circumstantial in nature. In extreme cases, evidence contrary to the conspiracy theory is assumed to have been planted by the conspirators.

Related Topics:
Conspiracy theories - Jews

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For instances of specific conspiracy theories, see:

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• List of conspiracy theories
• Conspiracy theories (a collection)