intrigue

• Nom désignant un plan secret ou rusé visant à atteindre un but souvent malhonnête, ou une liaison amoureuse cachée.

A noun referring to a secret or cunning scheme designed to achieve a particular, often underhanded, goal, or a clandestine romantic relationship.

1. Secret plot or schemeC1formal

   A crafty and involved plan, often with a sinister purpose, to achieve a specific goal.

   complot secret

   • The novel is full of political intrigue and betrayal.
   • The court was a hotbed of intrigue and conspiracy.
   • He was caught up in a web of corporate intrigue.

   Synonymescabalcollusionconnivanceconspiracydesignmachinationplotscheme

2. Secret love affairC1formal

   A clandestine or secret romantic relationship.

   Aventure amoureuse secrète

   • The story revolves around a forbidden intrigue between two nobles.
   • Their secret intrigue was eventually discovered by the family.
   • The play explores the consequences of a passionate intrigue.

   Synonymesaffairamourliaisonromance

• Verbe utilisé pour désigner l'action de susciter la curiosité ou l'intérêt chez quelqu'un, ou de participer à des intrigues ou complots secrets.

A verb used to express the act of arousing the curiosity or interest of someone, or to engage in secret scheming or plotting.

1. Arouse curiosity or interestB2formal

   To cause someone to become very interested or curious about something.

   Éveiller la curiosité

   • The mystery novel intrigued her from the first page.
   • His unusual proposal intrigued the board members.
   • The scientist's discovery intrigued the entire research team.
   • The strange noise intrigued the children, making them investigate.

   Synonymesabsorballureattractcaptivateengrossfascinategripinterestpiquerivet

   Antonymesborerepel

2. Plot or scheme secretlyC1formal

   To carry out a secret plot or involve oneself in underhanded schemes, often for personal gain or against someone.

   Intriguer (machiner)

   • The courtiers constantly intrigued against the king.
   • He intrigued with the enemy to overthrow the government.
   • They were accused of intriguing to steal company secrets.
   • The spy intrigued within the organization to gain influence.

   Synonymescabalcolludeconniveconspiremachinateplotscheme