verb (used without object), verb (used with object), -nat·ed, -nat·ing. to contrive or plot, especially artfully or with evil purpose: to machinate the overthrow of the government.
Origin: 1590–1600; <
Latin māchinātus past participle of
māchinārī to invent, contrive, devise artfully.
See machine, -ate1 Related formsmach·i·na·tor, noun
un·mach·i·nat·ed, adjective
un·mach·i·nat·ing, adjective