intrigue

A secret or underhand scheme; a plot.

The practice of or involvement in such schemes.

A clandestine love affair.

To arouse the interest or curiosity of.

To effect or cause to be accepted or rejected by secret scheming or plotting.

To engage in secret or underhand schemes; plot.

To entangle; involve; cause to be involved or entangled.

To plot for: scheme for.

To practise underhand plotting or scheming; exert secret influence for the accomplishment of a purpose; seek to promote one’s aims in devious and clandestine ways.