collusion

American  

[kuh-loo-zhuhn] / kəˈlu ʒən /

noun

1. a secret agreement, especially for fraudulent or treacherous purposes; conspiracy.

   Some of his employees were acting in collusion to rob him.

   Synonyms:

   complicity, connivance, intrigue

2. Law. a secret understanding between two or more persons to gain something illegally, to defraud someone's rights, or to appear as adversaries though in agreement.

   collusion of husband and wife to obtain a divorce.

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collusion British  

/ kəˈluːʒən /

noun

1. secret agreement for a fraudulent purpose; connivance; conspiracy

2. a secret agreement between opponents at law in order to obtain a judicial decision for some wrongful or improper purpose

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Other Word Forms

• collusive
  adjective
• noncollusion
  noun
• precollusion
  noun

Etymology

Origin of collusion

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English (from Middle French ) from Latin collūsiōn- (stem of collūsiō ), equivalent to collūs(us) (past participle of collūdere to collude ) + -iōn- -ion

Explanation

If you are making secret agreements with someone, then you are in collusion with them. Every time gas prices jump, consumers suspect the gas station owners of collusion and price fixing. The noun collusion almost always implies that plans are being made because of some nefarious, most likely illegal, purpose. An art thief could be in collusion with a museum director to steal a famous painting from an art museum. Things get sticky when there is collusion between government and business, between union and management, or between your siblings.

Example Sentences

It’s also one of a pair of lawsuits filed by the attorneys accusing collusion by the carriers.

From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026

Criminal antitrust cases are typically reserved for allegations of price fixing, market collusion or competitors rigging their bids to customers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

Charges of corporate collusion and conspiracy are central to both cases.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 27, 2026

Starmer is expected to discuss the case of Hong Kong media mogul and democracy supporter Jimmy Lai, 78, who is facing years in prison after being found guilty of collusion charges in December.

From Barron's • Jan. 29, 2026

This idea hangs between us, almost visible, almost palpable: heavy, formless, dark; collusion of a sort, betrayal of a sort.

From "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

Related Words

• complicity
• conspiracy
• deceit
• scam