A scheming or crafty action or artful design intended to accomplish some usually evil end. Complex plotting or intrigue, especially for harmful purposes.
From Latin 'machinatio' meaning 'a contriving, plotting,' from 'machinari' (to contrive, devise). Related to 'machina' (machine), the word entered English in the 15th century with the sense of mechanical contrivance extending to scheming and plotting.
Think of a complex machine with lots of moving parts - that's like a machination! It's a plot so intricate and carefully planned, it's like an evil machine designed to cause trouble. Picture a villain's elaborate scheme with multiple steps - that's a machination!
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