conspiracy theory

[ kuhn-spir-uh-see theer-ee ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

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.

conspiracy theory

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

First recorded in 1905-10

But at the heart of this “Truther” conspiracy theory is the idea that “someone” wants to destroy Bill Cosby.

To complicate matters further, the only people who seemed to have any desire to go after Booker were of the conspiracy-theory ilk.

Every conspiracy theory starts with an information vacuum, which then tumbles into fantasy.

The number is unusually high for a conspiracy theory, suggesting just how fearful Poland is about Russian intentions.

The basis for the modern-day sovereign belief system is a conspiracy theory that is as outrageous as it is confusing.

Needless to say, the conspiracy theory has long been discarded.

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