Cabal

Pronunciation

• IPA: /kəˈbæl/

Origin

From French cabale, from Medieval Latin cabala, which in turn is derived from the Hebrew קבלה (kabbala, "something received") (i.e., from tradition, from antiquity). It is likely that the mystical often secretive nature of Kabbalah led to formation of the word cabal.

Full definition of cabal

Noun

1. A usually secret exclusive organization of individuals gathered for a political purpose.The cabal is plotting to take over the world.
2. A secret plot.The cabal to destroy the building was foiled by federal agents.
3. An identifiable group within the tradition of Discordianism.
• 1965 and Kerry Thornley, Some episkoposes have a one-man cabal. Some work together. Some never do explain.

Synonyms

• camarilla
• conspiracy

Derived terms

• cabalistic
• cabbalistic
• TINC (there is no cabal)

Verb

1. To engage in the activities of a cabal
• 1840, George Payne Rainsford James, The king's highway, ... I believed her to have been carried off by some persons belonging to a party of Jacobites who were known to be caballing against the government, though to what extent was not then ascertained.