intrigue

Where does the word "intrigue" come from? It comes from Latin intricare, passing through Italian and French before entering English (1610s-1714).

Intrigue’s story begins in Latin: intricare meant “to entangle, perplex.” In- 'into' plus tricae 'perplexities, tricks'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Italian as intrigare. Developed the sense of scheming and secret plotting. From there it passed into French as intriguer by 1500s. Used of plots at the French royal court. It reached English by 1610s-1714 as intrigue. Entered meaning 'to trick, deceive', then settled into 'to plot or scheme'. Today, intrigue means the secret planning of something illicit, or a secret love affair.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient intricare "to entangle, perplex", in- 'into' plus tricae 'perplexities, tricks'.
2. Stage 2 · Italian · medieval intrigare "to plot, meddle; perplex", developed the sense of scheming and secret plotting.
3. Stage 3 · French · 1500s intriguer "to plot secretly", used of plots at the French royal court.
4. Stage 4 · English · 1610s-1714 intrigue "to plot secretly; a secret scheme", entered meaning 'to trick, deceive', then settled into 'to plot or scheme'.