1860, from French collaboration, noun of action from Latin collaborare (see collaborate). In a bad sense, "tratorious cooperation with an occupying enemy," it is recorded from 1940; earliest references are to the Vichy Government of France.
1802, from French collaborateur, from Latin collaboratus, past participle of collaborare "work with," from com- "with" (see com-) + labore "to work" (see labor (v.)).