collude
UK: kəˈluːd | US: kəˈluːd
vi. to conspire or act together secretly, especially for an illegal or deceitful purpose
collude = col<together> + lude<play>
- col (prefix): From Latin com- meaning "together." In English, it often appears as col-, con-, or co- before certain consonants.
- lude (root): From Latin ludere meaning "to play." This root appears in words like prelude (play before) and delude (play falsely).
Etymology Origin:
The word collude originates from Latin colludere ("to play together"), combining col- (together) and ludere (to play). Over time, its meaning shifted from literal play to metaphorical "playing along" in secret, often with negative connotations of deceit or conspiracy. The modern sense reflects a partnership in wrongdoing, aligning with its Latin roots of coordinated action.
The two companies were accused of colluding to fix prices.
Politicians who collude with lobbyists undermine public trust.
The thieves colluded to steal the artwork without detection.
Witnesses revealed how the suspects colluded to cover up the crime.
It is illegal for competitors to collude in ways that harm consumers.