intrigue

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A complicated or clandestine plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem.
2. (countable, uncountable) The plot of a play, poem or romance; the series of complications in which a writer involves their imaginary characters.
3. (countable, uncountable) Clandestine intercourse between persons; illicit intimacy; a liaison or affair.

Verb

1. (intransitive) To conceive or carry out a secret plan intended to harm; to form a plot or scheme.
2. (transitive) To arouse the interest of; to fascinate.
3. (intransitive) To have clandestine or illicit intercourse.
4. (transitive) To fill with artifice and duplicity; to complicate.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈɪntɹiːɡ/

Etymology

Borrowed from French intrigue, from Italian intricare, from Latin intrīcō (“I entangle, perplex, embarrass”). Doublet of intricate.

Synonyms

plot

conspiracy

scheme

machination

fascinate

trick

conspire

connive

artifice

interest

cabal

connivance

device

attract

liaison

ulterior motive

collusion

complicity

wiles

treachery

secret plan

complot

manipulation

machinate

ploy

entice

flirtation

catch

chicanery

game

chicane

cheat

bevy

cartload

betrayal

captivate

cabala

beguile

busyness

bed

🛏️

ascension

amour

business

company

comfort

bury

battery

🔋

colony

bunch

collogue