allure

[ uh-loor ]

verb (used with object)

, al·lured, al·lur·ing.

1. to attract or tempt by something flattering or desirable.

   Synonyms: lure, entice

2. to fascinate; charm.

   Synonyms: captivate, entrance, enchant

verb (used without object)

, al·lured, al·lur·ing.

1. to be attractive or tempting.

noun

1. fascination; charm; appeal.

   Synonyms: attraction, glamour

allure

/ əˈlʊə; əˈljʊə /

verb

1. tr to entice or tempt (someone) to a person or place or to a course of action; attract

noun

1. attractiveness; appeal

   the cottage's allure was its isolation

Derived Forms

• alˈlurer, noun
• alˈlurement, noun

Other Words From

• al·lurer noun
• unal·lured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of allure¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English aluren, from Middle French alurer, from a- a- ⁵ + lurer “to lure”; lure

Word History and Origins

Origin of allure¹

C15: from Old French alurer, from lure bait, lure

Example Sentences

And to defectors from North Korea like Park and Jang, Hollywood films are a huge allure.

From The Daily Beast

Marston wrote that Wonder Woman needed “all the strength of Superman plus all the allure of a good and beautiful woman.”

From The Daily Beast

“Carrie Bradshaw was so pivotal in creating the allure of the New York City woman,” Arora says.

From The Daily Beast

Its remote setting added to the exotic allure of its being the principal pilgrimage site for such an obscure religion.

From The Daily Beast

But that may just add to the allure for these fledgling leaders.

From The Daily Beast

Their cry is a kind of groan, which the huntsmen imitate in order to allure them.

From Project Gutenberg

We have already seen that early attempts were made to allure the members to their duty by payment.

From Project Gutenberg

She flashed at him over her shoulder a smile that had all the allure of lovely youth.

From Project Gutenberg

Let us not pay attention to those deceptive lights which the world holds out to allure and destroy.

From Project Gutenberg

Neither hot nor cold, the whole aspect of the dinner-table resisted and repelled the gaze, and made no pretensions to allure it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• beguile
• bewitch
• captivate
• enchant