temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : enticement

2

: something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement

Synonyms

• allurement
• enticement
• lure
• seduction

Examples of temptation in a Sentence

Money is always a temptation.

The dessert menu has a lot of delicious temptations.

the temptations of the city

Recent Examples on the Web

By turning off the combustion engine, resisting the tarmac temptation and abiding by centuries-old ways of the river, the town is a real time experiment in how to navigate an increasingly uncertain world where unruly climate change is overturning the rules of sustainable urban habitability. —Mac Margolis, NPR, 12 May 2024

In my drowsy haze of half-slumber, the temptation to surrender was strong. —Hoda Sherif, TIME, 10 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temptacioun "testing, enticement to sin," borrowed from Anglo-French tentacion, borrowed from Late Latin temptātiōn-, temptātiō "enticement to sin," going back to Latin, "attempt, attack," from temptāre "to feel, test, attempt, make an assault on, attack" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at tempt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of tempting : the state of being tempted especially to evil

2

: something tempting