First Known Use: 1614
Dictionary
1cabal
noun ca·bal \kə-ˈbäl, -ˈbal\
: a small group of people who work together secretly
Full Definition of CABAL
1
: 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
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Origin of CABAL
French cabale cabala, intrigue, cabal, from Medieval Latin cabbala cabala, from Late Hebrew qabbālāh, literally, received (lore)
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>.
Other Government and Politics Terms
2cabal
verb
ca·balledca·bal·ling
Definition of CABAL
intransitive verb
: to unite in or form a cabal
First Known Use of CABAL
1678
Other Government and Politics Terms
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