noun / verb
plot
A secret plan, usually to do something wrong.
Police uncover a plot to steal the museum's paintings.
Etymology
Plot's planning sense is associated with laying out an arrangement or scheme. The noun specialized to a concealed plan, especially one directed toward wrongdoing.
More examples
- The two officials plot against their rivals.
- She discovers that her coworkers are plotting to frame her.
- Investigators expose several plots to rig the election.
Forms
plot · plots · plotted · plotting
plotter noun — Someone who secretly plans wrongdoing.
Similar words
- conspiracy
- Emphasizes a secret agreement between two or more people.
- scheme
- Can describe a crafty plan without necessarily implying secrecy.