wheedle
[ hweed-l, weed-l ]
/ ˈʰwid l, ˈwid l /
verb (used with object), whee·dled, whee·dling.
to endeavor to influence (a person) by smooth, flattering, or beguiling words or acts: We wheedled him incessantly, but he would not consent.
to persuade (a person) by such words or acts: She wheedled him into going with her.
to obtain (something) by artful persuasions: I wheedled a new car out of my father.
verb (used without object), whee·dled, whee·dling.
to use beguiling or artful persuasions: I always wheedle if I really need something.
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Origin of wheedle
First recorded in 1655–65; origin uncertain
OTHER WORDS FROM wheedle
whee·dler, nounwhee·dling·ly, adverbun·whee·dled, adjectiveWords nearby wheedle
wheaton, wheatstone, wheatstone bridge, wheatworm, whee, wheedle, wheel, wheel and axle, wheel and deal, wheel animalcule, wheel back
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020
Example sentences from the Web for wheedling
British Dictionary definitions for wheedling
wheedle
/ (ˈwiːdəl) /
verb
to persuade or try to persuade (someone) by coaxing words, flattery, etc
(tr) to obtain by coaxing and flatteryshe wheedled some money out of her father
Derived forms of wheedle
wheedler, nounwheedling, adjectivewheedlingly, adverbWord Origin for wheedle
C17: perhaps from German wedeln to wag one's tail, from Old High German wedil, wadil tail
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