tempt

American  

[tempt] / tɛmpt /

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.

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tempt British  

/ 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 )

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Related Words

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.

Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of tempt

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

Explanation

To tempt is to lure or entice. You might tempt your runaway dog back inside with pieces of cheese. The verb tempt often has negative implications: "Don't let those bullies tempt you into picking on smaller kids!" When something tempts you, it's often with the knowledge that it's not the best idea, however attractive it might be. Tempt was originally a religious term, meaning "to entice to evil or sin," while today it's more likely to be a slice of cake that tempts us than the devil.

Example Sentences

While he insists this is his final outing, there is always the lingering worry that a convincing win might tempt him into "one more."

From BBC • Apr. 2, 2026

What could tempt Japanese companies to bring money back home is this year’s spectacular gains in Japanese stocks.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

“Will the community retain its artistic elements, horse properties, trails, rural feel, and architectural heritage even as property values arise and the economic benefits of more density and hillside development tempt builders and political entities?”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 19, 2026

Only a couple of compact cars sell for less than $15,000, and a robust vehicle-financing market may tempt many buyers to overextend themselves for pricier cars, with term loans creeping above five years.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 3, 2025

Tam Lin planted himself in Celia’s easy chair and watched silently as Maria and Celia tried to tempt Matt to read or do a puzzle or eat.

From "The House of the Scorpion" by Nancy Farmer

Related Words

• appeal to
• attract
• captivate
• charm
• dare
• fascinate
• induce
• intrigue
• invite
• motivate
• persuade
• seduce
• stimulate
• tantalize
• woo