intriguer

to intrigue

verb an-tree-GEH Rare

Origin: Latin 'intricare' (to entangle)

Also means

to plot

Usage Note

Intriguer has two distinct registers: in everyday modern French it means 'to fascinate or puzzle' ('cela m'intrigue' = that intrigues me), while in historical or literary contexts it means 'to scheme or plot'. The related noun intrigue covers both a plot/scheme and the storyline of a novel or film. The noun intrigant/intrigante refers to a schemer.

Examples

"Cette question m'intrigue beaucoup."

Natural Translation

This question intrigues me a lot.

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