connive
UK: kəˈnaɪv | US: kəˈnaɪv
vi. 1. To secretly allow or cooperate in wrongdoing, often by ignoring it.
vi. 2. To pretend ignorance or indifference, especially toward a harmful act.
connive = con<together> + nive<wink>
- con<together>: From Latin con- (a variant of com-), meaning "with" or "together."
- nive<wink>: From Latin nivere (to wink), derived from nictare (to blink or close the eyes).
Etymology Origin:
The word connive originates from Latin connivere, meaning "to wink" or "to close the eyes (to something)." Historically, it implied turning a blind eye to wrongdoing, often as a silent agreement. Over time, it evolved to describe passive cooperation in deceit or harm. The logic lies in the metaphorical "winking" (ignoring) as complicity.
The manager chose to connive at the employee's theft to avoid confrontation.
Parents should not connive in their children's bad habits.
The government was accused of conniving with corrupt officials.
She connived silently while her friend cheated on the exam.
His refusal to report the fraud made him complicit—he had connived in the crime.