intrigue

1.

/ˈɪntrig/

a crafty and involved plot to achieve your ends

2.

/ɪnˈtriɡ/

form plots in an underhand manner

Other forms: intrigues; intriguing; intrigued

An intrigue is a secret plot. If you ever become the monarch of a small island kingdom, keep watch for signs of any intrigue against you.

Intrigue comes from the Latin verb intricare, "to entangle," and is related to intricate. It can be a noun, meaning "underhanded plot," or a verb for the act of plotting. Agents of two opposing powers intrigue against each other. In the late 19th century it also came to mean the feeling of curiosity or interest. If someone's ideas intrigue you, you want to know more about them.

Definitions of intrigue (/ˈɪntrig/)

1. noun

   a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends
   synonyms: machination

   types:

   priestcraft

   a derogatory reference to priests who use their influence to control secular or political affairs

   type of:

   game, plot, secret plan

   a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)
2. noun

   a clandestine love affair
   type of:

   love affair, romance

   a relationship between two lovers