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

Continuing the temptation theme, Temptation Island features couples in relationship turmoil putting their love to the ultimate test. —Rendy Jones, EW.com, 13 July 2024

One way that she’s done this is by shifting the dynamic of Anne and Theo’s relationship toward mutual temptation, rather than pure predation. —Elissa Suh, Vogue, 28 June 2024

But expect the president to be disciplined enough to resist the temptation to make the debate primarily about his record. —E.j. Dionne Jr., Washington Post, 23 June 2024

The temptation to succumb to Washington’s outdated instincts has contributed to a second liability: the pursuit of maximalist objectives. —Ben Rhodes, Foreign Affairs, 18 June 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