temptation

American  

[temp-tey-shuhn] / tɛmpˈteɪ ʃən /

noun

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.

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temptation British  

/ tɛmpˈteɪʃən /

noun

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

2. a person or thing that tempts

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of temptation

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

Example Sentences

Investors should also resist the temptation to add “alternative” private investments to their portfolios.

From The Wall Street Journal

While energy prices remain subdued—oil is currently $58 a barrel—Venezuela represents a big new temptation for U.S. oil majors.

From Barron's

As much of a temptation it may be to leave your job right now, take advantage of those wonderful gifts — and don’t hurry a huge life decision.

From MarketWatch

"If you succumb to temptation you basically give in. You eat that biscuit and then you carry on eating."

From BBC

It’s a story built from vivid episodes and long delays, where danger and temptation matter as much as forward motion.

From Los Angeles Times