¹cabal

noun ca·bal \kə-ˈbäl, -ˈbal\

: a small group of people who work together secretly

Full Definition of CABAL

: the artifices and intrigues of a group of persons secretly united in a plot (as to overturn a government); also : a group engaged in such artifices and intrigues

: club, group <a cabal of artists>

See cabal defined for English-language learners

See cabal defined for kids

Origin of CABAL

French cabale cabala, intrigue, cabal, from Medieval Latin cabbala cabala, from Late Hebrew qabbālāh, literally, received (lore)

First Known Use: 1614

Related to CABAL

Synonyms: ¹ring, conspiracy, crew, gang, Mafia, mob, syndicate

Synonym Discussion of CABAL

plot, intrigue, machination, conspiracy, cabal mean a plan secretly devised to accomplish an evil or treacherous end. plot implies careful foresight in planning a complex scheme <an assassination plot>. intrigue suggests secret underhanded maneuvering in an atmosphere of duplicity <backstairs intrigue>. machination implies a contriving of annoyances, injuries, or evils by indirect means <the machinations of a party boss>. conspiracy implies a secret agreement among several people usually involving treason or great treachery <a conspiracy to fix prices>. cabal typically applies to political intrigue involving persons of some eminence <a cabal among powerful senators>.