plausible deniability
nounEtymology
Originally CIA jargon from the 1950s, and popularized during the Watergate scandal (1970s).
Definitions
The organization of clandestine activity in such a way that knowledge of its existence…
The organization of clandestine activity in such a way that knowledge of its existence may be denied by those in authority.
- Lieut. Col. Oliver L. North may have added a memorable phrase to the lexicon of political obfuscation at the Iran-contra hearings when he referred to his concern for "plausible deniability" as he carried out his covert activities.
- Americans would stand out in the Laotian jungle, and Washington needed to retain plausible deniability. CIA officials demanded that Laotians on their payroll carry out the mission.
- No longer is plausible deniability acceptable, either for boards or for management. Corporate and nonprofit boards alike are expected to know of problems that are brewing deep within their organizations.
The neighborhood
Vish — recursive loop
No curated loop yet for plausible deniability. Loops are being traced one word at a time while the ingestion pipeline matures.
sense glosses and etymology drawn from English Wiktionary · source · CC-BY-SA