intrigue

/ˈin-ˌtrēg/

French intricate affair, from Italian intrigo, from intrigare to entangle, from Latin intricare seeintricate

noun

  1. the practice of engaging in secret schemes

  2. a secret scheme : machination

  3. a clandestine love affair

plot intrigue machination conspiracy cabal mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end. plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme. intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity.

verb

  1. to arouse the interest, desire, or curiosity of

  2. cheat, trick

  3. to get, make, or accomplish by secret scheming

intrigued by the tale