inducement

noun in·duce·ment \ in-ˈdüs-mənt , -ˈdyüs- \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Examples: inducement in a Sentence

Definition of inducement

1 : a motive or consideration that leads one to action or to additional or more effective actions

2 : the act or process of inducing

3 : matter presented by way of introduction or background to explain the principal allegations of a legal cause, plea, or defense

See inducement defined for English-language learners

See inducement defined for kids

Examples of inducement in a Sentence

Was his decision influenced by any illegal financial inducements?
Employees were offered a bonus as an inducement to finish the project on schedule.
The low interest rate was little inducement for individuals to save money.

Recent Examples of inducement from the Web

Bank managers and their bosses have lots of discretion in offering interest rates, cash payments, and other inducements to get your money.

— sean p. murphy, BostonGlobe.com, "Pay attention to the tiny type when opening — and closing — a money market account," 4 July 2018
The nonprofit's attorney showed the court how the Michigan Strategic Fund had just backed their plan with a bond inducement resolution.

— j.c. reindl, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan fund backs questionable bid for scandal-plagued cemeteries," 4 July 2018
Wisconsin has agreed to more than $4 billion in tax credits and other inducements over a 15-year period, subsidies that amount to thousands of dollars for every job created.

— monica davey, New York Times, "In Wisconsin Visit, Trump Cheers One Company and Criticizes Another," 28 June 2018
The $10 billion Foxconn project includes about $4 billion in inducements from state and local governments.

— mary spicuzza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Donald Trump to oversee groundbreaking of Foxconn in Wisconsin as dispute with Harley-Davidson continues," 28 June 2018
Following the global financial crisis, more countries imitated China with inducements for local production.

— greg ip, WSJ, "That Noise You Hear Is the Sound of Globalization Going Into Reverse," 27 June 2018
Back in November 2015, the strategic fund approved a similar bond inducement for St. Augustine's for the same cemeteries.

— j.c. reindl, Detroit Free Press, "Michigan fund backs questionable bid for scandal-plagued cemeteries," 4 July 2018
Most recently, Walker’s name has been connected to the Cleveland Cavaliers as a possible inducement to convince superstar LeBron James to stay there.

— rick bonnell, charlotteobserver, "Hornets' Kemba Walker hears trade rumors, says he has a strategy for dealing with them," 29 June 2018
North Korea has promised disarmament again and again over the past 30 years, only to renege each time after pocketing generous inducements.

— The Economist, "Dealing with North Korea, Trump puts showmanship first," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'inducement.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of inducement

1594

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

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inducement Synonyms

Synonyms

conversion, convincing, inducing, persuading, persuasion, suasion;

seduction, tempting;

influencing, prompting, swaying;

lobbying, pressuring;

brainwashing, overpersuasion;

Synonym Discussion of inducement

motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action. motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

- a motive for the crime

impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

- buying on impulse

incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

- a bonus was offered as an incentive

inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

- offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

- fear was a spur to action

goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

- thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

INDUCEMENT Defined for English Language Learners

inducement

noun

Definition of inducement for English Language Learners

: something that gives you a reason for doing something and makes you want to do it

INDUCEMENT Defined for Kids

inducement

noun in·duce·ment \ in-ˈdüs-mənt , -ˈdyüs- \

Definition of inducement for Students

: something that causes someone to do something Employees were offered inducements to retire early.

Law Dictionary

inducement

noun in·duce·ment \ in-ˈdüs-mənt, -ˈdyüs- \

legal Definition of inducement

1 : factual matter presented by way of introduction or background to explain the principal allegations of a legal cause (as of slander or libel) — compare innuendo

2 : a significant offer or act that promises or encourages