seduction

noun

se·​duc·​tion si-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce seduction (audio)
Synonyms of seductionnext
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

Examples of seduction in a Sentence

The book describes his seductions of young women. the swift seduction of the home buyers into a bigger house than they could afford
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The Hunting Wives, which is based off the bestselling book by May Cobb, follows Sophie O’Neil (Brittany Snow) who moves to East Texas and falls in with a group of socialites run by Margo Banks (Malin Akerman), leading her into a world of seduction and murder. Rachel McRady, PEOPLE, 12 Dec. 2025 This sparks a dangerous battle of seduction, manipulation, and betrayal in the public and private spheres. Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 9 Dec. 2025 Midway through, in a seduction scene that pays homage to the original, Anderson’s character looks out a window in Drebin’s apartment, admiring the lights of Los Angeles. Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 28 Nov. 2025 More scandals, seduction and Southern hospitality are on the way. Melina Khan, USA Today, 17 Nov. 2025 See All Example Sentences for seduction

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of seduction was in the 15th century

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Cite this Entry

“Seduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/seduction. Accessed 16 Dec. 2025.

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