collude

[kuh-lood]

verb (used without object)

colluded, colluding 

1. to act together through a secret understanding, especially with evil or harmful intent.

2. to conspire in a fraud.

collude

/ kəˈluːd /

verb

1. (intr) to conspire together, esp in planning a fraud; connive

Other Word Forms

• colluder noun
• precollude verb (used without object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of collude¹

First recorded in 1515–25; from Latin collūdere “to play together,” equivalent to col- col- ¹ + lūdere “to play”

Word History and Origins

Origin of collude¹

C16: from Latin collūdere, literally: to play together, hence, conspire together, from com- together + lūdere to play

Example Sentences

Despite being regular customers, the Wagner fighters wanted to detain his boss, and accused him of colluding with the jihadists who have a strong presence in the region, Ahmed said.

Read more on BBC

Greystar, which manages dozens of apartment complexes in Southern California, has settled a lawsuit that alleges the property giant and other landlords colluded to keep rents artificially high.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

An antitrust probe into allegations that meatpacking companies are colluding to drive up beef prices.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

He added that “I encourage all market participants to bring us your best ideas but please keep in mind—don’t get together and collude—very important.”

Read more on Barron's

Parliament on Thursday approved a reform to separate the training, careers and status of judges and prosecutors, whom right-leaning governments in Italy have long accused of colluding to the detriment of the defence.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• connive