convince

con·vince

transitive verb \kən-ˈvin(t)s\

con·vincedcon·vinc·ing

Definition of CONVINCE

1

obsolete

a : to overcome by argument

b : overpower, overcome

2

obsolete : demonstrate, prove

3

: to bring (as by argument) to belief, consent, or a course of action : persuade <convinced himself that she was all right — William Faulkner> <something I could never convince him to read — John Lahr>

— con·vinc·er noun

Examples of CONVINCE

1. He convinced me that the story was true.
2. They convinced us of their innocence.
3. I managed to convince myself that I was doing the right thing.
4. We convinced them to go along with our scheme.
5. I was unable to convince her to stay.

Origin of CONVINCE

Latin convincere to refute, convict, prove, from com- + vincere to conquer — more at victor

First Known Use: 1530

Related to CONVINCE

Synonyms

argue, bring, bring around, convert, persuade, gain, get, induce, move, prevail (on or upon), satisfy, talk (into), win (over)

Related Words

blandish, blarney, cajole, coax, entreat, exhort, fast-talk, urge, wheedle; allure, beguile, lead on, lure, seduce, snow, tempt; brainwash, overpersuade; incline, influence, move, prompt, sell, sway; attract, draw, entice, interest; chew over, converse, debate, discuss, dispute, hash (over), moot; reason (with)

Near Antonyms

deter, discourage, dissuade, unsell

Rhymes with CONVINCE

crown prince, long since, shin splints