persuader

[per-swey-der]

noun

1. a person or thing that persuades.

   The cool lake was a most enticing persuader for those who liked to swim.

2. Slang.

   1. (in underworld use) a gun, blackjack, or other weapon.

   2. something that persuades, as by coercing or threatening.

      Sometimes the teacher used a hickory persuader to get our attention.

Word History and Origins

Origin of persuader¹

First recorded in 1530–40; persuade + -er ¹

Example Sentences

He persuaded her, a professional persuader, to surrender her career to be his full-time mate.

From Salon

Structured as profiles of exemplary figures, the book presents these persuaders in turn as they discuss political and social boundaries that seem immutable and present ways to overcome them.

From Washington Post

Big campaign spenders seek to persuade voters to vote a certain way, and professional persuaders are good at their jobs.

From Seattle Times

But some of the smartest persuaders in this book, including AOC, combine standing in your truth and moral commitment and reaching out.

From Los Angeles Times

Several items depicted, whole or in part, on Locke’s trophies, were once active or passive players in power games, as diplomatic persuaders, ideological enforcers, or in the case of an eighth-century B.C.

From New York Times

Related Words

• cannon 
• handgun 
• hardware 
• mortar 
• piece 
• pistol 
• revolver 
• rifle 
• shotgun