cabal

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
  2. noun a plot to carry out some harmful or illegal act (especially a political plot)
  3. verb engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together

Etymology

From French cabale, from Medieval Latin cabbala, which in turn is derived from Hebrew קַבָּלָה (kabalá, “Jewish mysticism”, literally “reception, something received”) (such as knowledge). Doublet of Kabbalah, as well as, more distantly, ghibli.

In classic literature

Synonyms

faction, junto, camarilla

A single word — an entire dictionary opens.

Type a word, a sentence, a book title, or a link to an English article. WordNet and the Classics answer.

Try

A library of classics · a vault of words · instant etymology & meaning

Continue reading