verb (used without object), con·nived, con·niv·ing.
1.
to cooperate secretly; conspire (often followed by with ): They connived to take over the business.
2.
to avoid noticing something that one is expected to oppose or condemn; give aid to wrongdoing by forbearing to act or speak (usually followed by at ): The policeman connived at traffic violations.
3.
to be indulgent toward something others oppose or criticize (usually followed by at ): to connive at childlike exaggerations.
Origin: 1595–1605; (< Frenchconniver) < Latinco(n)nīvēre to close the eyes in sleep, turn a blind eye, equivalent to con-con- + -nīvēre, akin to nictāre to blink (cf. nictitate)
c.1600, from L. connivere, also conivere "to wink," from com- "together" + base akin to nictare "to wink," from PIE base *knei-gwh- "to bend." Hence, "to wink at (a crime), be secretly privy."