intrigue

/ɪnˈtriːɡ/
verb
  1. To arouse the curiosity or interest of; to fascinate.
    • I was intrigued by the strange noise coming from the attic.
    • The magician's performance intrigued the entire audience.
    • The scientist's discovery intrigued researchers around the world.
  2. To plot or scheme secretly, especially in a harmful or underhanded way.
    • The nobles intrigued against the queen for years.
    • They spent months intriguing to gain control of the company.
    • He was accused of intriguing with the enemy.
Antonyms
noun
  1. The practice of secret or underhanded plotting; a secret scheme or plot.
    • She was drawn into a web of corporate intrigue.
    • The palace was a hotbed of intrigue and gossip.
    • The novel is full of political intrigue and betrayal.
  2. A quality that arouses curiosity or fascination; mysterious appeal.
    • Her stories are filled with romance and intrigue.
    • The film's plot has enough intrigue to keep you guessing until the end.
    • The old mansion had an air of mystery and intrigue.