intrigue

¹in·trigue

noun \ˈin-ˌtrēg, in-ˈ\

Definition of INTRIGUE

1

a : a secret scheme : machination b : the practice of engaging in secret schemes

2

: a clandestine love affair

Examples of INTRIGUE

1. a novel of intrigue and romance
2. an administration characterized by intrigue and corruption
3. Rolston's work channels the vampish intrigue of vintage Hollywood with a sense of irony and wit that makes the work truly modern. —Stephanie Sung, Picture, September/October 2008
4. In this, as in any other enterprise where there is the promise of money, intrigues and lies and hoodwinking and bullying abound. —Alice Munro, “Hard-Luck Stories,” in In the Stacks, 2002
5. The story began to take on a warm, attractive glow as a Highland romantic epic of heroism and villainy, of intrigue and bravery, complete with comely maidens such as Flora MacDonald and handsome heroes such as Bonnie Prince Charlie himself. —Arthur Herman, How the Scots Invented the Modern World, 2001

Origin of INTRIGUE

French intricate affair, from Italian intrigo, from intrigare to entangle, from Latin intricare (see intricate)

First Known Use: 1609

Related to INTRIGUE

Synonyms: conspiracy, design, plot, machination, scheme

Related Words: counterconspiracy, counterplot; frame-up; manipulation, subterfuge, trickery; artifice, contrivance, cover-up, dodge, draft, maneuver, stratagem, trick; cabal, confederacy, ring; game, gimmick, racket; ground plan, program, strategy, system; collusion, complicity, connivance, conniving, conspiration

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See Synonym Discussion at plot

Rhymes with INTRIGUE

big-league, blitzkrieg, bush-league, colleague, fatigue, garigue, squeteague