Main Entry:

tempt

Pronunciation:

\ˈtem(p)t\

Function:

transitive verb

Etymology:

Middle English, from Anglo-French tempter, tenter, from Latin temptare, tentare to feel, try

Date:

13th century

1: to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain2 aobsolete : to make trial of : test b: to try presumptuously : provoke <tempt fate> c: to risk the dangers of3 a: to induce to do something b: to cause to be strongly inclined <was tempted to call it quits>

synonyms see lure

— tempt·able \ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl\ adjective