intrigue

Noun · Verb
Synonyms: machinationfascinateschemeconnive

WordNet 3.0

Noun (2)

  1. a crafty and involved plot to achieve your (usually sinister) endsSynonyms: machination
  2. a clandestine love affair

Verb (2)

  1. cause to be interested or curiousSynonyms: fascinate
  2. form intrigues (for) in an underhand mannerSynonyms: schemeconnive
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Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

Intrigue \In*trigue"\ ([i^]n*tr[=e]g"), v. i. [imp. & p. p. Intrigued (-tr[=e]gd"); p. pr. & vb. n. Intriguing.] [F. intriguer, OF. intriquer, entriquer; cf. It. intrigare. See Intricate, Extricate.]

1.To form a plot or scheme; to contrive to accomplish a purpose by secret artifice. [1913 Webster]

2.To carry on a secret and illicit love or amour. [1913 Webster]

Intrigue \In*trigue"\, v. t. To fill with artifice and duplicity; to complicate; to embarrass. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]

How doth it [sin] perplex and intrique the whole course of your lives! --Dr. J. Scott. [1913 Webster]

Intrigue \In*trigue"\, n. [Cf. F. intrique. See Intrigue, v. i.] [1913 Webster]

1.Intricacy; complication. [Obs.] --Sir M. Hale. [1913 Webster]

2.A complicated plot or scheme intended to effect some purpose by secret artifice; conspiracy; stratagem. [1913 Webster]

Busy meddlers with intrigues of state.— Pomfret.[1913 Webster]

3.The plot of a play or romance; a complicated scheme of designs, actions, and events. --Pope. [1913 Webster]

4.A secret and illicit love affair between two persons of different sexes; an amour; a liaison. [1913 Webster]

The hero of a comedy is represented victorious in all his intrigues.— Swift.

Syn: Plot; scheme; conspiracy; machination. [1913 Webster]

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