tempt

[tempt]

verb (used with object)

1. to entice or allure to do something often regarded as unwise, wrong, or immoral.

2. to attract, appeal strongly to, or invite.

   The offer tempts me.

   Synonyms: persuade, incite, lure, induce, inveigle

3. to render strongly disposed to do something.

   The book tempted me to read more on the subject.

4. to put (someone) to the test in a venturesome way; provoke.

   to tempt one's fate.

5. Obsolete.,  to try or test.

tempt

/ tɛmpt /

verb

1. to attempt to persuade or entice to do something, esp something morally wrong or unwise

2. to allure, invite, or attract

3. to give rise to a desire in (someone) to do something; dispose

   their unfriendliness tempted me to leave the party

4. to risk provoking (esp in the phrase tempt fate )

Other Word Forms

• temptable adjective
• pretempt verb (used with object)
• self-tempted adjective
• supertempt verb (used with object)
• untemptable adjective
• untempted adjective
• tempter noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tempt¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English from Latin temptāre “to probe, feel, test, tempt”

Word History and Origins

Origin of tempt¹

C13: from Old French tempter, from Latin temptāre to test

Synonym Study

Tempt, seduce may both mean to allure or entice to something unwise or wicked. To tempt is to attract by holding out the probability of gratification or advantage, often in the direction of that which is wrong or unwise: to tempt a man with a bribe. To seduce is literally to lead astray, sometimes from that which absorbs one or demands attention, but oftener, in a moral sense, from rectitude, chastity, etc.: to seduce a person away from loyalty.

Example Sentences

Brands are now trying to create queues and that feeling of exclusivity by tempting shoppers with free products, the chance to get their hands on hard to buy stock, and TikTok-worthy experiences.

From BBC

I am tempted to go with a draw but this is a big game and I want to be brave and pick a winner.

From BBC

He notes that the judge might be tempted to make an example out of him and instead asks that he be made an example of "what a person can do if afforded a second chance".

From BBC

Like a sugary doughnut, the hypocrisy was too tempting to pass up.

From Los Angeles Times

But there are two names that could tempt him back.

From BBC

Related Words

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• fascinate 
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• intrigue 
• invite 
• motivate 
• persuade 
• seduce 
• stimulate 
• tantalize 
• woo