allure

American  

[uh-loor] / əˈlʊər /

verb (used with object)

allured, alluring

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

   Synonyms:

   lure, entice

2. to fascinate; charm.

   Synonyms:

   captivate, entrance, enchant

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verb (used without object)

allured, alluring

1. to be attractive or tempting.

noun

1. fascination; charm; appeal.

   Synonyms:

   attraction, glamour

allure British  

/ əˈlʊə, əˈljʊə /

verb

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

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noun

1. attractiveness; appeal

   the cottage's allure was its isolation

Other Word Forms

• allurement noun
• allurer noun
• unallured adjective

Etymology

Origin of allure

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

Example Sentences

It takes a special effort to restrain yourself from touching these alluringly dimensional surfaces.

From The Wall Street Journal

But he said the allure of backcountry skiing is undeniable and that clients pay for the access to pristine, uncrowded slopes and comfortable, European-style mountain huts.

From Los Angeles Times

While the ultrawealthy had a romantic allure for Fitzgerald, they are now more likely to seem problematic.

From The Wall Street Journal

I confess I’m not impervious to the posthumous allure.

From Los Angeles Times

The so-called debasement trade as well as a drive for hard assets in a period of rising inflation and its safe-haven allure have been the chief locomotives of the breathtaking rally in silver.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• attraction
• charisma
• charm
• enticement
• glamor
• magnetism
• temptation