Conspiracy theory
Pronunciation
- RP IPA: en, /kÉ™nˈspɪɹəsi θɪəɹi/, /- θiËəɹi/
- GA IPA: en, /kənˈspɪɹəsi θi.əɹi/, /- θɪɹi/
- GenAus IPA: en, /kÉ™nˈspɪɹəsiË Î¸ÉªÉ™É¹iË/, /- θiËəɹiË/
- GNZ IPA: en, /kɘnˈspɘɹɘsiË Î¸iəɹiË/, /- θiËɘɹiË/
Full definition of conspiracy theory
Noun
conspiracy theory
(plural conspiracy theorys)- (originally legal) A hypothesis alleging that the members of a coordinated group are, and/or were, secretly working together to commit illegal or wrongful actions including attempting to hide the existence of the group and its activities.
- 1863-01-11 , Charles Astor Bristed , English Insincerity on the Slavery Question. to the Editor
- 1923 , American and British Claims Arbitration: The Rio Grande Claim. Answer of the United States
- 2007, Charles R. Pigden, Conspiracy Theories and the Conventional Wisdom
- DECODING 2019 NOVEL CORONAVIRUS: Outbreak: Conspiracies: Impact
- (dismissive, derogatory) Hypothetical speculation that is commonly considered untrue or outlandish.
- 2007, Rick Huffman, Baxter Peanut, “So, like I’m Rock Hudson? I’m not sure that’s the answer.â€
“Ah,†Lola smiles knowingly, “that’s all just a conspiracy theory. He enjoyed the ladies too.†- 12 September 2018, Abby Ohlheiser, Reddit bans r/greatawakening, the main subreddit for QAnon conspiracy theorists
- 2021-04-29, Sabrina Tavernise, Vaccine Skepticism Was Viewed as a Knowledge Problem. It’s Actually About Gut Beliefs., Conspiracy theories can be comforting, a way to get one’s bearings during rapid change in the culture or the economy, by providing narratives that bring order.
Usage notes
The phrase conspiracy theory is sometimes used in an attempt to imply that hypothetical speculation is not worthy of serious consideration, usually with phrasing indicative of dismissal (e.g., "just a conspiracy theory"). However, any particular instance of use is not necessarily pejorative. Some consider it inappropriate to use the phrase "conspiracy theory" in an attempt to dismissively discredit hypothetical speculation in any form.