temptation

American  

[temp-tey-shuhn] / tɛmpˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

1. the act of tempting; enticement or allurement.

   Synonyms:

   inducement, seduction, pull, attraction, lure

2. something that tempts, entices, or allures.

3. the fact or state of being tempted, especially to evil.

4. an instance of this.

5. (initial capital letter) the temptation of Christ by Satan. Matthew 4.

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temptation British  

/ tɛmpˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of tempting or the state of being tempted

2. a person or thing that tempts

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Other Word Forms

• nontemptation noun
• pretemptation noun
• supertemptation noun
• temptational adjective

Etymology

Origin of temptation

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English temptacion, from Latin temptātiōn- (stem of temptātiō ) “a testing”; tempt, -ation

Example Sentences

The temptation was to laugh because the place couldn't have been any more electrified, but the drama down below didn't allow for mirth.

From BBC

Given "the fear of falling behind" the United States and China in developing AI technologies, Prissard said that Europe may succumb to the "temptation to allow more leeway to innovate without obstacles".

From Barron's

There is a temptation to gloat, laugh at and mock them, but that may be a trap which further imperil American democracy.

From Salon

He played his 151st and final Wallabies Test last year after announcing his retirement from the international game, resisting the temptation of pushing on to a World Cup on home soil in 2027.

From Barron's

There’s no temptation to work with bigger budgets either.

From Los Angeles Times