noun a crafty scheme or plot, especially one intended to do harm
The machinations of political parties are often hidden from the public eye.
The novel's plot was driven by the machinations of a cunning antagonist.
Historians study the machinations of empires to understand their rise and fall.
Corporate espionage often involves complex machinations to gain a competitive advantage.
Many conspiracy theories revolve around the machinations of secret societies.
The protagonist unraveled the enemy's machinations in a thrilling climax.
In literature, machination is often used to describe a complex and cunning plot or scheme devised by a character.
Psychologists may use the term machination to refer to a patient's manipulative or deceitful behavior in therapy sessions.
Politicians may use the term machination to describe the behind-the-scenes plotting and scheming that occurs in the political arena.
Business executives may use the term machination to refer to underhanded or unethical tactics used by competitors in the industry.
Legal counsel may use the term machination to describe a client's elaborate and deceptive plan to achieve a desired outcome in a legal case.