entice

American  

[en-tahys] / ɛnˈtaɪs /

verb (used with object)

enticed, enticing

1. to lead on by exciting hope or desire; allure; inveigle.

   They were enticed westward by dreams of gold.

   Synonyms:

   tempt, decoy, attract, lure

   Antonyms:

   repel

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entice British  

/ ɪnˈtaɪs /

verb

1. (tr) to attract or draw towards oneself by exciting hope or desire; tempt; allure

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Other Word Forms

• enticement noun
• enticer noun
• enticing adjective
• enticingly adverb
• enticingness noun
• unenticed adjective

Etymology

Origin of entice

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English enticen, from Old French enticier “to incite,” from unattested Vulgar Latin intitiāre, equivalent to Latin in- in- ² + -titiāre, verbal derivative of unattested titius, for titiō “piece of burning wood”

Example Sentences

Gulf assets are an enticing target for Iran.

From The Wall Street Journal

The geopolitical squeeze between the U.S. and China is focusing politicians’ minds, while the past year’s equity outperformance could entice savers off the sidelines.

From Barron's

While some tech stocks stalled, investors flocked to overlooked corners of the market, enticed by lower valuations and the idea that the economy would heat up.

From The Wall Street Journal

Utilities remain 6% cheaper than the overall index, a slightly less enticing discount than the 8% gap over the past decade.

From The Wall Street Journal

The automaker hopes new technology will entice customers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• attract
• beguile
• cajole
• coax
• seduce
• tempt