Definition

Verb: To plan and act together secretly, especially to do something unlawful or harmful. It specifically emphasizes the joint, collaborative nature of the secret planning.

Usage

The verb "coconspire" is used to describe the action of two or more people secretly agreeing to commit an illegal or wrongful act. It highlights the partnership in the conspiracy. * They coconspired to defraud the investors. * The evidence showed that the officials had coconspired to obstruct justice.

Examples

• The prosecutors alleged that the executives coconspired to fix prices.
• Historical records suggest the generals coconspired to overthrow the government.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Context: Frequently used in legal and formal contexts to describe the specific criminal act of conspiracy.
  • The indictment charges that the defendants coconspired to commit wire fraud.

Variants and Related Words

• Conspire (verb): To secretly plan with others to do an unlawful or harmful act. ("Coconspire" is a more specific form of "conspire," stressing the "together" aspect.)
• Conspiracy (noun): A secret plan by a group to do something unlawful or harmful.
• Coconspirator (noun): A person who conspires with another.

Synonyms

• Collude
• Connive
• Plot together
• Scheme together

Related Phrases

• To be in cahoots (with someone): (Idiomatic, informal) To be conspiring or collaborating secretly, often for a dishonest purpose.
  • The corrupt officer was in cahoots with the local gang.

Verb

1. conspire together
   • The two men coconspired to cover up the Federal investigation