Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

illuminati

noun

/ˌɪl.uˈmɪn.ɑː.taɪ/

Definition

A name used to describe various groups, both real and fictitious, often believed to be involved in conspiracy theories.

Examples

Some people believe that the Illuminati control major world events.
The novel features a character who claims to be a member of the Illuminati.
Conspiracy theories regarding the Illuminati have been popular in popular culture.

Meaning

The term originally referred to the Enlightenment-era Bavarian Illuminati, a secret society that aimed to promote reason and secularism. Over time, it has come to be associated with a wide variety of conspiracy theories about powerful elites manipulating global events.