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

The ride app giant alleged that the firms had filed a flurry of “fraudulent claims” and colluded with an Encino-based doctor to inflate the cost of plaintiffs’ medical expenses.

From Los Angeles Times

Herzog cites professional wrestling as an example of a spectacle in which the audience members and performers collude in a narrative that is patently false, yet has all the elements of legitimate competition.

From Los Angeles Times

Closing arguments begin on Thursday for Lai, who is accused of colluding with foreign forces under a Beijing-imposed national security law.

From BBC

The careers of both women were later blocked by senior male umpires who, according to colleagues, colluded against them.

From Los Angeles Times

Following the trial, Salmond repeatedly claimed that many in his former party had colluded against him in an effort to block his return to frontline politics.

From BBC

Related Words

• connive