concoct
UK: kənˈkɒkt | US: kənˈkɑːkt
vt. to prepare or make by combining ingredients, especially in cooking
vt. to invent or devise (a story, plan, etc.) creatively
The word "concoct" originates from Latin concoquere, combining con- (together) and coquere (to cook). It originally referred to the literal mixing and cooking of ingredients, later extending metaphorically to the creative "mixing" of ideas or stories. This evolution mirrors how physical blending (e.g., recipes) parallels abstract invention (e.g., plots).
She concocted a delicious soup from leftover vegetables.
The writer concocted an elaborate plot for his novel.
He quickly concocted an excuse to avoid the meeting.
The chemist concocted a new formula in the lab.
They concocted a plan to surprise their friend on her birthday.