seduction

noun se·duc·tion \ si-ˈdək-shən \

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

One of Casanova’s tactics in seduction was fine dining.

— gaile robinson, star-telegram, "Kimbell’s ‘Casanova’ follows the seducer’s trail through Europe – adult-only art and all," 30 Aug. 2017
Sinatra was arrested in Bergen County in New Jersey in 1938 and charged with seduction, basically for having an affair with a married woman.

— peter king, SI.com, "Monday Morning QB: Even in New NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers Embrace Physicality of Football," 20 Aug. 2017
But does the Elm City have a seedy underbelly, murky with betrayal, murder, seduction, corruption, secrets and lies?

— susan dunne, courant.com, "Amy Bloom Edits Short-Story Compilation About New Haven's Dark Side," 7 Aug. 2017
Schoeff said charges were filed and a warrant was issued for one count of child seduction and $5,000 cash or surety bond.

— jessica hice, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel voice instructor charged with child seduction after kissing, hugging minor," 17 July 2017
A Carmel voice instructor who was arrested in June on child seduction charges, faces a tentative trial date set for October, the Hamilton County Sheriff's Department said.

— jessica hice, Indianapolis Star, "Carmel voice instructor charged with child seduction after kissing, hugging minor," 17 July 2017
Welser-Most and the orchestra gave the 1930 ballet excerpt a driven and dynamic reading, one that readily told a story of anxiety, seduction, magic, and triumph.

— zachary lewis, cleveland.com, "Cleveland Orchestra at Blossom surprises with Beethoven and delights with French delicacies (review)," 16 July 2017
But what the film lacks in chemistry, it more than makes up for in visual beauty, a CGI seduction of the eyes that rivals the awe and impact of James Cameron's Avatar.

— jordan hoffman, Popular Mechanics, "'Valerian' Is a Flawed Journey Into a Fascinating Sci-Fi World," 10 July 2017
Nude women in her work stare confidently at the viewer without a trace of seduction.

— chloe fein, The Cut, "Honoré Sharrer’s Surreal Portraits of Women and Working America," 29 June 2017

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

See Words from the same year

seduction Synonyms

Synonyms

allurement, enticement, lure, temptation

Related Words

siren song; allure, appeal, attraction, attractiveness, charm, enchantment, glamour (also glamor); 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

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up seduction? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show

seduction

Definition of seduction

Examples of seduction in a Sentence

Recent Examples of seduction from the Web

Origin and Etymology of seduction

seduction Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

SEDUCTION Defined for English Language Learners

seduction

Definition of seduction for English Language Learners

Learn More about seduction

Seen and Heard

WORD OF THE DAY

nuncupative

BROWSE DICTIONARY

Test Your Vocabulary

Words at Play

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

The Synonyms 'Discover' and 'Invent'

I'll Have the Us(ual)

The Origins of 'Lobbyist'

Ask the Editors

Words of the Year: 1066

How Often Is 'Biweekly'?

Irregardless

Weird Plurals

Word Games

The Exceptions Quiz III

Forms of Government Quiz

Name That Thing

SCRABBLE® Sprint

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066

seduction

Definition of seduction

Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd

Examples of seduction in a Sentence

Recent Examples of seduction from the Web

Origin and Etymology of seduction

seduction Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

SEDUCTION Defined for English Language Learners

seduction

Definition of seduction for English Language Learners

Learn More about seduction

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

Learned Fools: On Names for Students

Trending: NY Times: Trump's Call Ignites 'Imbroglio'

The Exceptions Quiz III

17 English Words that Come From Japanese

Words of the Year: 1066