Intrigeren

Intrigeren is a Dutch verb meaning to intrigue. It can denote two main senses: to arouse curiosity or interest in something, for example Het verhaal intrigeert de lezer, and to engage in intrigue in the sense of plotting or scheming, typically in political or social contexts.

Etymology: The verb is derived from the noun intrige, meaning a plot or scheme, which itself comes from French intrigue and ultimately from Latin intricare “to entangle.” The -eren suffix places it in the regular family of Dutch -eren verbs.

Usage and nuance: In contemporary Dutch, intrigeren is used in formal or literary contexts and in discussions about storytelling, media, or politics. The related adjective intrigerend means intriguing and is commonly used to describe something that arouses interest. Intrigeren conveys a deliberate action—either to provoke curiosity or to participate in clandestine scheming—and is more precise than broader synonyms such as boeien or fascineren.

Grammatical notes: Intrigeren is a regular -eren verb. Its past tense is intrigeerde, and the participle is geïntrigeerd. The present tense forms follow standard conjugation rules for -eren verbs, though exact endings vary by person.

See also: Intrige, intrigerend, intrigeraar, conspiratie.