tempt

verb

ˈtem(p)t 

tempted; tempting; tempts

transitive verb

1

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

2

a

: to induce to do something

b

: to cause to be strongly inclined

was tempted to call it quits

3

a

: to try presumptuously : provoke

tempt fate

b

: to risk the dangers of

c

obsolete : to make trial of : test

temptable

ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl 

adjective

Synonyms

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

Choose the Right Synonym for tempt

lure, entice, inveigle, decoy, tempt, seduce mean to lead astray from one's true course.

lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving.

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means.

advertising designed to entice new customers

inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering.

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice.

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment.

tempted by the offer of money

seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises.

seduced by assurances of assistance

Examples of tempt in a Sentence

that chocolate dessert sure tempts me, but I should stick with my diet

refusing to lay in enough food for the long winter tempts the dangers of starvation

Recent Examples on the Web

While you may be tempted to look at the eclipse with your bare eyes, don’t. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 6 Apr. 2024

Western officials who want to cultivate better ties with their non-Western counterparts may become tempted to focus on winning over a few supposedly leading global South states, such as Brazil and India. —Comfort Ero, Foreign Affairs, 1 Apr. 2024

When preparing the lemongrass and galangal, don’t be tempted to rush through the knife work. —Diep Tran, Los Angeles Times, 1 Apr. 2024

At this point, proper eyewear may be hard to come by and some may be tempted to turn to alternative methods such as welding goggles. —Eric Lagatta, USA TODAY, 30 Mar. 2024

Get to know the brand by way of its best-selling smoked trout that comes in packaging so good, you’ll be tempted to save it. —Perrie Samotin, Glamour, 29 Mar. 2024

Build Products For Customers, Not Yourself A startup CTO might be tempted to spend most of their time immersed in technology—innovating and using state-of-the-art technology and tools. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

If you are tempted by the microwave, heat in 10 second intervals until warm. Ingredients ¾ cup semisweet chocolate pieces ¼ cup butter ⅔ cup sugar 1 5 ounce can evaporated milk (2/3 cup) Directions In a small heavy saucepan melt the chocolate and butter over medium heat. —Jan Miller, Better Homes & Gardens, 20 Mar. 2024

Recently, a Facebook ad tempted me to take a chance on an inexpensive purse on Amazon. —Brittany Vanderbill, Travel + Leisure, 24 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tempten "to test, incite to sin, attempt," borrowed from Anglo-French tempter, temter, tenter, going back to Latin temptāre, tentāre "to feel, test, examine, attempt, make an assault on, attack" (Late Latin, "to incite to sin"), perhaps frequentative derivative from an Indo-European verbal base *temp- "stretch, extend" (hence, "grope for, feel") — more at tempo

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing tempt

• tempt fate

Kids Definition

tempt

verb

ˈtem(p)t 

1

: to persuade or try to persuade to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain

2

: to risk the dangers of

tempt fate

3

a

: to get to do something

tempted her to taste the cake

b

: to cause to have a certain feeling

was tempted to quit

temptable

ˈtem(p)-tə-bəl 

adjective

tempter noun