cabal

Noun

• a plot to carry out some harmful or illegal act (especially a political plot)

• a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue

Verb

• engage in plotting or enter into a conspiracy, swear together
  • They conspired to overthrow the government
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  conspiracy , faction , junto , camarilla , conspire , complot , conjure , machinate