intrigues; intrigued; intriguing
1
: to make (someone) want to know more about something : to cause (someone) to become interested
Your idea intrigues me.
—often used as (be) intriguedShe was intrigued with/by what he had to say.
2
formal
: to make secret plans
—usually + against
They were arrested for intriguing against the government.
plural intrigues
1
: the activity of making secret plans
a novel of intrigue and romance
an administration characterized by intrigue and corruption
2
: a secret plan
political intrigues
Cite this Entry
“Intrigue.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/intrigue. Accessed 23 Jun. 2026.
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