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.

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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

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

She added that there was a temptation to look at the Sun through the cloud but even that could harm the eyes.

From BBC ● Aug. 10, 2026

It’s an important marker for Mr. Warsh to lay down, since the Fed periodically faces the temptation of outside economists arguing it should fudge the target.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 29, 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

I shouted at him not to, but I knew even then that it was no use, that he would be unable to resist the temptation to show off even more.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

She worries about what we will lose to such temptations.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 15, 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

Lisa said she found these temptations too enticing to ignore.

From BBC ● May 13, 2026

Kudos to you on prioritizing retirement savings and not letting the temptations of high salaries and lifestyle spending deter you from thinking about your and your wife’s futures.

From MarketWatch ● Feb. 10, 2026

Thus, amidst uncertainties and temptations, arrived the autumn with its rains.

From "The Astonishing Life of Octavian Nothing, Traitor to the Nation, Volume II: The Kingdom on the Waves" by M.T. Anderson