syndicate
UK: ˈsɪndɪkət | US: ˈsɪndɪkət
n. 1. A group of individuals or organizations combined to promote a common interest or carry out a business venture.
n. 2. An association of criminals or gangsters engaged in illegal activities.
vt. 1. To combine or manage as a syndicate.
The word "syndicate" originates from the French syndicat, derived from Late Latin syndicatus (office of a syndic). The Latin root syndicus comes from Greek syndikos (σύνδικος), combining syn- (together) and dikē (justice, declaration). The morpheme syn- implies collaboration, while dic- relates to speaking or declaring (as in "dictate" or "diction"). Over time, "syndicate" evolved from referring to a legal representative to a collective entity, reflecting its roots in joint action and governance.
The media syndicate owns several newspapers and TV channels.
The drug syndicate was dismantled by international authorities.
Investors agreed to syndicate the loan to reduce individual risk.
The cartoon is distributed by a global syndicate.
Local farmers formed a syndicate to negotiate better prices.