- to cooperate secretly; conspire (often followed by with): They connived to take over the business.
- 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.
- to be indulgent toward something others oppose or criticize (usually followed by at): to connive at childlike exaggerations.
- to plot together, esp secretly; conspire
- to give assent or encouragement (to the commission of a wrong)
