cabal

¹ca·bal

noun \kə-ˈbäl, -ˈbal\

Definition of CABAL

1

: the artifices and intrigues of a group of persons secretly united in a plot (as to overturn a government); also : a group engaged in such artifices and intrigues

2

: club, group <a cabal of artists>

Examples of CABAL

1. a cabal plotting to overthrow the government
2. <a conspiracy theory about the existence of an international cabal devoted to world domination>

Origin of CABAL

French cabale cabala, intrigue, cabal, from Medieval Latin cabbala cabala, from Late Hebrew qabbālāh, literally, received (lore)

First Known Use: 1614

Related to CABAL

Synonyms: ¹ring, conspiracy, crew, gang, Mafia, mob, syndicate

Related Words: bunch, circle, clan, clique, coterie, coven, crowd, galère, lot, network, pack, set; junta, oligarchy

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See Synonym Discussion at plot

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Rhymes with CABAL

Algol, atoll, austral, Bhopal, Cabral, cantal, Chagall, chorale, grand mal, gun moll, hamal, jacal, mistral, narwhal, Natal, nopal, Pascal, petrol, quetzal, Rampal, real, rial, riyal, Rizal, Shawwal, tical, timbale, Transvaal