blandish

[ blan-dish ]

verb (used with object)

1. to coax or influence by gentle flattery; cajole:

   They blandished the guard into letting them through the gate.

verb (used without object)

1. to use flattery or cajolery.

blandish

/ ˈblændɪʃ /

verb

1. tr to seek to persuade or influence by mild flattery; coax

Other Words From

• blandish·er noun
• blandish·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of blandish¹

1350–1400; Middle English blandisshen < Anglo-French, Middle French blandiss-, long stem of blandir < Latin blandīrī to soothe, flatter. See bland, -ish ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of blandish¹

C14: from Old French blandir from Latin blandīrī

Example Sentences

Poor Blandish was so irritated, that he fell really ill himself, and took his own mixtures for three weeks.

From Project Gutenberg

Dr. Blandish danced for joy, and I really thought he never would stand still again.

From Project Gutenberg

Miss Letitia Blandish, sister of the above, a fawning timeserver, who sponges on the wealthy.

From Project Gutenberg

Samphire House, instead of being the fine claret of a refuge Mr. Blandish supposed, is a loaded port.

From Project Gutenberg

And still clearer is it that the amiable Deshman wants to get at it without the participation of Mr. Blandish.

From Project Gutenberg