tempt

tempt

transitive verb \ˈtem(p)t\

Definition of TEMPT

1

: to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain

2

a obsolete : to make trial of : test

b : to try presumptuously : provoke <tempt fate>

c : to risk the dangers of

3

a : to induce to do something

b : to cause to be strongly inclined <was tempted to call it quits>

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

Examples of TEMPT

1. <that chocolate dessert sure tempts me, but I should stick with my diet>
2. <refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation>

Origin of TEMPT

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

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to TEMPT

Synonyms

allure, bait, beguile, betray, decoy, entice, lead on, seduce, solicit, lure

Related Words

draw in, inveigle, persuade, rope (in), snow; catch, enmesh (also immesh), ensnare, entrap, mesh, snare, tangle, trap; bewitch, captivate, charm, enchant, fascinate, magnetize, wile

Near Antonyms

alert, caution, forewarn, ward (off), warn; drive (away or off), repulse, turn away

See Synonym Discussion at lure