English vocabulary · C1
Collusion
/kəˈluː.ʒən/ · n.
It means a secret agreement between two or more people to do something wrong together.
Watch the Collusion lessonContinue in the learning app for video lessons and review.
Example sentences
- The two companies were in collusion to raise prices.
- The referee acted in collusion with the home team.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- col — together (from Latin)
- lud — play (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- CONSPIRACY — secret plan by a group (Organized & Wide)
- PLOT — secret harmful plan (Smaller & Personal)
- SCHEME — a dishonest plan (Clever & Self-Serving)
Words with the same root
lud — play
- illusion — a false image that tricks you
- prelude — something that comes before the main event
- ludicrous — so silly it is hard to believe
Lesson notes
Collusion. It means a secret agreement between two or more people to do something wrong together.
Similar words are conspiracy, plot, and scheme. Use collusion when two sides secretly work together against the rules.
The two companies were in collusion to raise prices. The referee acted in collusion with the home team.
From Latin. Col- means together. Lud- means play. Playing together in secret to break the rules — that is collusion.