Machination

Definition

A plot or scheme.

Etymology

From Middle English machynacion, machynacyon, from Middle French machination and directly Latin māchinātiōnem, from māchinor (“devise, invent”). By surface analysis, machinate +‎ -ion or machine +‎ -ation.

Synonyms

intrigue

In a sentence

The CEO's ouster was the result of months of boardroom machination.