intrigue
Meaning
to make someone very interested and want to know more about something
to secretly plan something, often something illegal or harmful
the activity of making secret plans, often to gain an advantage
a secret and complicated plan or situation that is interesting because of its mystery
Structure
Usage
the mystery novel's plot was full of intrigue and unexpected twists.
she was intrigued by the strange symbols carved into the ancient stone.
the court was a hotbed of political intrigue and shifting alliances.
Etymology
the word 'intrigue' entered english in the early 17th century from the french 'intriguer', which itself derived from the italian 'intrigare', meaning 'to plot, perplex'. this italian verb came from the latin 'intricare', signifying 'to entangle, confuse', a compound of 'in-' (into) and 'tricae' (perplexities, wiles). the core semantic thread connects the literal idea of being entangled in complexities or tricks to the modern abstract meanings of secret plotting and fascinating mystery.
Analysis
in- (latin origin, meaning 'in, into'), trigue (from latin 'intricare', meaning 'to entangle, perplex')