conspire

verb

Etymology: From Middle English conspiren, from Old French conspirer, from Latin conspirare, conspīrō, from con- (combining form of cum (“with”)) + spīrō (“breathe”).

1. To secretly plot or make plans together, often with the intention to bring bad or illegal results; to collude, to connive, to plot.

   “They conspired against [Joseph] to slay him.”

   “And there came a man, rushing from the farthest end of the city. He said, “O Moses! The chiefs are actually conspiring against you to put you to death, so leave ˹the city˺. I really advise you ˹to do so˺.””

2. To agree, to concur to one end.

   “The press, the pulpit, and the stage / Conspire to censure and expose our age.”

   “I feel my vanquish'd heart conspire To crown a flame by Heav'n approv'd.”

3. To work together to bring about.

   “Rain and sweat conspired to smudge her mascara.”

   “Angry clouds conspire your overthrow.”