Simple Definition of collude
: to work with others secretly especially in order to do something illegal or dishonest
Examples of collude in a sentence
The two companies had colluded to fix prices.
<accused of colluding to block the sale of the vacant land>
Did You Know?
Our English "lude" words ("allude," "collude," "delude," "elude," and "prelude") are based on the Latin verb ludere, meaning "to play." "Collude" dates back to 1525 and combines "ludere" and the prefix col-, meaning "with" or "together." "Collude" is younger than the related noun "collusion," which appeared sometime in the 14th century with the specific meaning "secret agreement or cooperation." Despite their playful history, "collude" and "collusion" have always suggested deceit or trickery rather than good-natured fun.
Origin of collude
Latin colludere, from com- + ludere to play, from ludus game — more at ludicrous
First Known Use: 1525
Legal Definition of collude
: to agree or cooperate secretly for a fraudulent or otherwise illegal purpose
Seen and Heard
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