seduction

noun se·duc·tion \ si-ˈdək-shən \

Updated on: 15 Apr 2018

Definition of seduction

1 : the act of seducing; especially : the enticement of a person to sexual intercourse

2 : something that seduces : temptation

3 : something that attracts or charms

See seduction defined for English-language learners

Examples of seduction in a Sentence

The book describes his seductions of young women.
the swift seduction of the college freshman into a life of drinking and partying

Recent Examples of seduction from the Web

In the snippet, Zayn appears to be the star in his own action thriller, as words like seduction, power, and greed, flash across the screen.

— amy mackelden, Harper's BAZAAR, "Zayn Malik Teases New Music After Wiping His Instagram," 8 Apr. 2018
Considering the full-bore media seduction schedule bin Salman’s team put together for this visit, one wonders whether even the crown prince thought the sell would be this easy.

— jeet heer, The New Republic, "Mohammed bin Salman and the Death of Foreign Policy Debate," 6 Apr. 2018
Villanelle is a practical, physical assassin, never resorting to the classic tropes of a femme fatale who uses seduction as a weapon.

— yohana desta, HWD, "Sandra Oh’s Been Waiting 30 Years for a Show Like Killing Eve," 6 Apr. 2018
The escort and her seduction coach have been held largely incommunicado since March 5, when reporters for The Times and other news media outlets were kicked out of the detention center for speaking to them.

— richard c. paddock, New York Times, "From Thai Jail, Sex Coaches Say They Want to Trade U.S.-Russia Secrets for Safety," 2 Apr. 2018
Lincoln says a first encounter with an Aviator should be less of an attack, more of a seduction.

— phoebe wall howard, Detroit Free Press, "New Lincoln Aviator SUV offers a smooth flight, 'like a bird'," 28 Mar. 2018
But Kurt Weill’s jazzy, sensual score has a mind of its own, at once bitter parody and suave seduction.

— jeremy eichler, BostonGlobe.com, "Mack the Knife prowls anew with Boston Lyric Opera," 20 Mar. 2018
Apparently Mercury is in my seduction sector and Jupiter in my romance zone? 11 p.m.

— The Cut, "The Accountant Worried She’s a Tease," 4 Mar. 2018
The faithful may be turned off by a theology worthy of a vacation Bible school dropout, as well as seduction sequences that threaten to lead viewers into temptation.

— kimber myers, latimes.com, "Weak theology, chaste horror and bad filmmaking sink 'But Deliver Us From Evil'," 2 Mar. 2018

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

Origin and Etymology of seduction

Middle French, from Late Latin seduction-, seductio, from Latin, act of leading aside, from seducere

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1526

in the meaning defined at sense 1

See Words from the same year

seduction Synonyms

Synonyms

allurement, enticement, lure, temptation;

beckoning, invitation;

bait, inducement, influence, persuasion, power, sway;

SEDUCTION Defined for English Language Learners

seduction

noun

Definition of seduction for English Language Learners

: the act of persuading someone to have sex with you
: something that interests and attracts people

Learn More about seduction

See words that rhyme with seduction Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for seduction Spanish Central: Translation of seduction Nglish: Translation of seduction for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of seduction for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about seduction

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seduction

Definition of seduction

Examples of seduction in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of seduction

seduction Synonyms

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SEDUCTION Defined for English Language Learners

seduction

Definition of seduction for English Language Learners

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Definition of seduction

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Origin and Etymology of seduction

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SEDUCTION Defined for English Language Learners

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Definition of seduction for English Language Learners

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