conspiracy theory
[ kuhn-spir-uh-see theer-ee ]
/ kənˈspɪr ə si ˌθɪər i /
noun
a theory that rejects the standard explanation for an event and instead credits a covert group or organization with carrying out a secret plot: One popular conspiracy theory accuses environmentalists of sabotage in last year's mine collapse.
a belief that a particular unexplained event was caused by such a covert group: A number of conspiracy theories have already emerged, purporting to explain last week's disappearance of a commercial flight over international waters.
the idea that many important political events or economic and social trends are the products of deceptive plots that are largely unknown to the general public: The more I learn about the activities of intelligence agencies, the less far-fetched I find many geopolitical conspiracy theories.
Origin of conspiracy theory
First recorded in 1905-10
OTHER WORDS FROM conspiracy theory
conspiracy theorist, nounWords nearby conspiracy theory
conspicuous by its absence,
conspicuous consumption,
conspiracist,
conspiracy,
conspiracy of silence,
conspiracy theory,
conspiration,
conspirator,
conspire,
const.,
constable
Example sentences from the Web for conspiracy theory
To complicate matters further, the only people who seemed to have any desire to go after Booker were of the conspiracy-theory ilk.
The Ugly Truth About Cory Booker, New Jersey’s Golden Boy |Olivia Nuzzi |October 20, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
British Dictionary definitions for conspiracy theory
conspiracy theory
noun
the belief that the government or a covert organization is responsible for an event that is unusual or unexplained, esp when any such involvement is denied