illuminati

/ɪˌluːmɪˈnɑːti/
noun
  1. A secret group of people who are believed to control world events, often mentioned in conspiracy theories.
    • Many movies and books feature the Illuminati as a powerful hidden society.
    • The symbol on the dollar bill is often linked to the Illuminati.
    • Some people think the Illuminati secretly run the government.
  2. A historical secret society founded in Bavaria in 1776 that aimed to promote Enlightenment ideas.
    • The group called themselves the Illuminati to suggest they were enlightened.
    • Historians study the influence of the Illuminati on revolutionary movements.
    • The original Illuminati was banned by the Bavarian government in 1785.
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