temptation

American  

[temp-tey-shuhn] / tɛmpˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

• temptations
  plural

1. the act of tempting; enticement or allurement.

   Synonyms:

   inducement, seduction, pull, attraction, lure

2. something that tempts, entices, or allures.

3. the fact or state of being tempted, especially to evil.

4. an instance of this.

5. (initial capital letter) the temptation of Christ by Satan. Matthew 4.

---

temptation British  

/ tɛmpˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of tempting or the state of being tempted

2. a person or thing that tempts

---

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• nontemptation
  noun
• pretemptation
  noun
• supertemptation
  noun
• temptational
  adjective

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• temptations
  plural

Etymology

Origin of temptation

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English temptacion, from Latin temptātiōn- (stem of temptātiō ) “a testing”; see tempt, -ation

Explanation

Temptation is something you want to have or to do, even though you know you shouldn't. That bag of peanut butter cups on top of your fridge might be an example of a temptation. The thing that you want despite knowing it's not good for you — like the cool sneakers you really can't afford — is a temptation. The feeling is also a temptation — so wanting those shoes is temptation. The Latin word temptare, or to taste, is where temptation comes from, which makes a lot of sense when you think of that bag of peanut butter cups calling to you from the kitchen.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

temptation temptations

“He has resisted that temptation so far,” O’Hanlon said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 16, 2026

The temptation is obvious given United's opening fixtures and Sesko's undeniable potential, but Cunha and Fernandes currently offer more established routes into the attack - at least to start the season.

From BBC ● Aug. 14, 2026

But it’s precisely that experience, and that of my wife, who was an actual world-class athlete, that helps me resist the temptation to go the path of data overload with our two daughters.

From Slate ● Aug. 11, 2026

"If a winemaker receives a multi-million-euro offer for their buildings and facilities today, the temptation to give up the business is immense," he added.

From Barron's ● Jul. 26, 2026

The Incorrigible children already knew this, but Lord Fredrick Ashton had not had the same careful training in how to resist temptation.

From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood

AI poses temptations to isolate, but it can also be shaped to strengthen human bonds.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 26, 2026

The beloved Minneapolis bakery is famous for its oversized, gooey cinnamon rolls, but there are plenty of other temptations on display, including caramel pecan buns, sticky buns and seasonal specialties.

From Salon ● Jun. 11, 2026

The scams include fraudulent invoices, advance-fee fraud, overpayment scams, fictional prizewinnings, no-risk investment temptations, fake charities, shipping scams, prepaid shipping-label scams, package-rerouting scams and phony job opportunities.

From MarketWatch ● Mar. 25, 2026

John says that if released prisoners can get past the temptations of the first few days, adjusting to life outside, they'll have a better chance of staying out for longer.

From BBC ● Dec. 10, 2025

Pax would stay beside the road and ignore all temptations, including the strong urge he felt to head south, the direction his instinct told him would lead him back to his home.

From "Pax" by Sara Pennypacker