machinations - Crafty schemes or plots, especially intended to achieve something deceitful or underhanded; secret or complicated plans, often with a negative or manipulative goal.
The villain's machinations were finally exposed, revealing his plan to transfer other people's money into his own account.
intrigue - To arouse curiosity and interest by unusual, new, and fascinating qualities
Though Steve didn't understand much about the field of Artificial Intelligence, he was intrigued about all the talk he heard about it, and he wanted to learn more about it.
inhibitions - A feeling of self-consciousness or restraint that prevents someone from acting freely; a psychological or social barrier that limits a person’s behavior or expressions.
His inhibitions kept him from speaking up during the meeting, even though he had great ideas.
conformist - A person who behaves in accordance with prevailing standards or customs, rather than doing things that are different or original.
The hippies attracted people who didn't want to be conformists to the regular society, but actually they were becoming conformists to the hippie way of life.
