to cooperate secretly; conspire (often fol. 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 fol. by at): The policeman connived at traffic violations.
to be indulgent toward something others oppose or criticize (usually fol. by at): to connive at childlike exaggerations.