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intrigue Definition

in·trigue (in trēg′; for n., also in′trēg′)

intransitive verb -·trigued′, -·trigu′ing

  1. to carry on a secret love affair
  2. to plot or scheme secretly or underhandedly

Etymology: Fr intriguer < It intrigare < L intricare: see intricate

transitive verb

  1. to bring on or get by secret or underhanded plotting
  2. to excite the interest or curiosity of; fascinate the puzzle intrigued her
  3. Archaic to trick or perplex
  4. Obsolete to entangle

noun

  1. an intriguing; secret or underhanded plotting
  2. a secret or underhanded plot or scheme; machination
  3. a secret love affair

intrigue Related Forms

in·trigu′er noun

intrigue Synonyms

intrigue

n.

  1. Plot

    scheme, conspiracy, cabal, machination, plan, secret arrangement, complication, ruse, artifice, design, dodge, contrivance, collusion, maneuver, maneuvering, manipulation, double-dealing, secret plot, wire-pulling*, deal*, game*; see also plot 1, trick 1.

  2. Love affair

    liaison, amour, affair, interlude, entanglement, attachment, intimacy, infatuation, flirtation, romance, hush-hush affair*; see also affair 2. See syn. study at plot.

intrigue Synonyms

intrigue

v.

  1. To fascinate

    interest, pique, attract, beguile; see attract 2, charm 1, entertain 1, fascinate.

  2. To plot

    scheme, conspire, connive; see maneuver, plan 1.

intrigue Usage Examples

Object

scientist: Quark puzzle completed - with beauty and charm A team of Glasgow scientists has completed a puzzle that has intrigued scientists for 30 years.

Subject

  • possibility: And needless to say, our panel of experts were intrigued by the possibility of this powerful natural cure for cancer.
  • mystery: It's required reading for everyone intrigued by ancient mysteries.

Adjective modifier

  • political: Political intrigue mixes with science fiction to produce a thriller that will keep you hooked to the very end.
  • deadly: Plus the deadly intrigues that led to their downfall.
  • romantic: As one of Shakespeare's comedies, there is sure to be the sub-plots that include romantic intrigue and women in disguise.
  • sexual: It is a tale of political and sexual intrigue, with not one mention of God.
  • royal: The Princess & the Piper A splendid story of love and royal intrigue at the Palace of King Kafoozalum.
  • criminal: Deftly combining mecha combat, martial arts, international criminal intrigue, high-school politics and a dash of teen romance, Full Metal Panic!

Modifying Another Word

sufficiently: I was, and I'm sure that by now you're sufficiently intrigued to want to know more.

Noun used with modifier

  • palace: In Russia of Mr. Putin we ought not to spend time, attempting to see sense in these Byzantine palace intrigues.
  • court: As they work to untangle the threads of both murders they make powerful enemies in a dramatic tale of court intrigue and revenge.

Used with why or when

when: Nevertheless, he consented to show the two women around his store and was intrigued when Keller picked up a special old Imari pot.

Infinitive complement

  • discover: I was intrigued to discover that journals fell into two clear categories.
  • hear: I am intrigued to hear of the next " shady " approach.. ... .
  • know: I'm intrigued to know why Mr Marsden has access to James Wilson's password!
  • see: Are you intrigued to see what your old school, house or office looks like now?
  • find: Jamie Kennedy asks: " I would be highly intrigued to find out what cake could possibly go with a glass of wine.

Preposition: by

  • possibility: And needless to say, our panel of experts were intrigued by the possibility of this powerful natural cure for cancer.
  • mystery: It's required reading for everyone intrigued by ancient mysteries.