intrigue - Dictionary Definition : Vocabulary.com

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 powers opposing powers intrigue against each other. In the late nineteenth 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.

PRIMARY MEANINGS OF: intrigue

1	n v	a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) ends form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner
2	v	cause to be interested or curious

FULL DEFINITIONS OF: intrigue

1

n 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)

n a clandestine love affair

Type of:: love affair, romance
a relationship between two lovers

v form intrigues (for) in an underhand manner

Synonyms:: connive, scheme

Type of:: plot
plan secretly, usually something illegal

2

v cause to be interested or curious

Synonyms:: fascinate

Types:: grab, seize
capture the attention or imagination of

Type of:: interest, matter to
be of importance or consequence