# plausible deniability

> English word · Noun

## Definitions
1. The organization of clandestine activity in such a way that knowledge of its existence may be denied by those in authority.

## Etymology
Originally CIA jargon from the 1950s, and popularized during the Watergate scandal (1970s).

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/plausible-deniability