conspiracy theory
Pronunciation
  • (RP) IPA: /kənˈspɪɹəsi θɪəɹi/, /- θiːəɹi/
  • (GA) IPA: /kənˈspɪɹəsi θi.əɹi/, /- θɪɹi/
  • (GenAus) IPA: /kənˈspɪɹəsiː θɪəɹiː/, /- θiːəɹiː/
  • (GNZ) IPA: /kɘnˈspɘɹɘsiː θiəɹiː/, /- θiːɘɹiː/
Noun

conspiracy theory

  1. A hypothesis alleging that the members of a coordinated group are, and/or were, secretly working together to commit illegal or wrongful actions including attempting to hide the existence of the group and its activities. In notable cases the hypothesis contradicts the mainstream explanation for historical or current events. [1960s]
  2. (dismissive, derogatory) Hypothetical speculation that is commonly considered untrue or outlandish.
    • 2007, Rick Huffman, Baxter Peanut, Xlibris Corporation, ISBN 1425737196, page 153:
      “So, like I’m Rock Hudson? I’m not sure that’s the answer.”
      “Ah,” Lola smiles knowingly, “that’s all just a conspiracy theory. He enjoyed the ladies too.”
Translations
  • French: théorie du complot
  • German: Verschwörungstheorie, Konspirationstheorie
  • Portuguese: teoria da conspiração
  • Russian: тео́рия за́говора
  • Spanish: teoría conspirativa, teoría de la conspiración



This text is extracted from the Wiktionary and it is available under the CC BY-SA 3.0 license | Terms and conditions | Privacy policy 0.003
Offline English dictionary