What does intrigue mean?
Intrigue describes the powerful effect of something mysterious, unexpected, or intellectually stimulating. Used as a verb, it means that a person, story, discovery, or unusual event has aroused their curiosity and attention. Used as a noun, intrigue can refer either to that compelling quality or to a secret scheme, especially one involving political maneuvering. The word often carries a slightly romantic or dramatic tone: a mystery may “intrigue” readers, while a court may be full of “political intrigue.” Its historical association with plots helps explain why modern usages sometimes suggest secrecy, deception, or hidden motives. In everyday language, however, the verb is commonly neutral and can simply mean that something has piqued someone's interest. Intrigue is useful because it captures not merely interest but a sense of being drawn into a question whose answer is not yet clear.
To arouse the curiosity or interest of someone, especially by making something seem mysterious or thought-provoking.
"Her unconventional explanation intrigued the entire research team."
Usually followed by an object or an indirect object: “it intrigued them” or “it intrigued me.”
Something that excites curiosity or holds a person's attention; also, a secret or deceptive scheme.
"The abandoned house was an endless source of intrigue for the children."
The sense of a secret scheme is especially associated with political, courtly, or social contexts.
Used for separate schemes, plots, or sources of fascination.
"The novel explores the intrigues and rivalries of the royal court."
Intrigue began as a word for entanglement in plots: a modern mystery story is, in a sense, a polished descendant of that original meaning.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intrigue come from?
The word entered English from French intriguer, meaning “to entangle” or “to involve in a plot.” French borrowed it from Medieval Latin intrigare, which had senses connected with entanglement, plots, and occupying oneself with cunning schemes. The English noun developed alongside the verb and eventually came to mean both a fascinating quality and a scheme or conspiracy. Intrigue is related to intricate and intricacy, which also reflect the Latin history of entanglement and complexity.
Related word forms
How intrigue is actually used
The verb is usually transitive, as in “the story intrigued the reader.” The noun is common in expressions such as “political intrigue” and “a sense of intrigue”; in literary use, it can also denote a plot or scheme.
Easily confused with intrigue
Intrigue arouses curiosity or fascination, whereas intricate describes something complex or difficult to understand.