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induce

verb
in·​duce | \ in-ˈdüs How to pronounce induce (audio) , -ˈdyüs\
induced; inducing

Definition of induce

transitive verb

1a : to move by persuasion or influence
b : to call forth or bring about by influence or stimulation
2a : effect, cause
b : to cause the formation of
c : to produce by induction induce an electric current
3 : to determine by induction specifically : to infer from particulars
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about induce

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Did You Know?

Inducing is usually gentle persuasion; you may, for instance, induce a friend to go to a concert, or induce a child to stop crying. An inducement is something that might lure you to do something, though inducements are occasionally a bit menacing, like the Godfather's offer that you can't refuse. Induce also sometimes means "produce;" thus, doctors must at times induce labor in a pregnant woman. Notice that induct and induction are somewhat different from induce and inducement, though they come from the identical roots.

Examples of induce in a Sentence

The advertisement is meant to induce people to eat more fruit. No one knows what induced him to leave. Her illness was induced by overwork. They will induce labor to avoid complications.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 The rookie right-hander blew through the heart of the Chicago Cubs order, striking out Javier Báez with a 97-mile per hour fastball, punching out Kris Bryant with a 99-mile per hour fastball, and inducing a weak groundout from Anthony Rizzo. — Kerry Crowley, The Mercury News, "Giants reliever thrust into spotlight, expecting ‘outrageous’ cheering section in St. Louis," 2 Sep. 2019 Packed airports with long queues induce a sense of anything but relaxation among visitors. — The Economist, "A fall in the number of Chinese tourists breeds unease in Thailand," 29 Aug. 2019 Shedding Despite being panic-inducing, shedding is rather common after physical traumas, such as childbirth or surgery. — Ivana Rihter, Allure, "The Complete Guide to Hair Loss for Women," 22 Aug. 2019 From bopping heads to inducing bloody noses, these kissing horror stories are beyond cringy. — Yerin Kim, Seventeen, "11 Kissing Horror Stories That Will Make You Cringe," 21 Aug. 2019 Means held Starling hitless in two at-bats, inducing a groundout to second and striking him out on a changeup, while not allowing hit until the Royals’ three-run sixth in a 5-4 loss. — Jon Meoli, baltimoresun.com, "Orioles’ John Means faces former high school teammate in Royals outfielder Bubba Starling," 19 Aug. 2019 Sanchez induced a chopper back to the pitcher's mound. — Chandler Rome, Houston Chronicle, "Astros fall to Athletics in 10-homer slugfest," 16 Aug. 2019 Parr has the type of beauty that’s intoxicating, and a body that’s envy-inducing. — Jennifer Ford, Essence, "Lamar Odom’s New Girlfriend Is A Bombshell," 9 Aug. 2019 Brian Matthew Capien, 39, is charged with possession and use of an explosive device, aggravated menacing, stalking and inducing panic, according to police. — Robin Goist, cleveland.com, "Springfield Township police searching for Akron man accused of detonating explosive device," 24 July 2019

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

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First Known Use of induce

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

History and Etymology for induce

Middle English, from Anglo-French inducer, from Latin inducere, from in- + ducere to lead — more at tow entry 1

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More Definitions for induce

induce

verb
How to pronounce induce (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of induce

somewhat formal : to cause (someone or something) to do something
: to cause (something) to happen or exist
medical : to give (a pregnant woman) special medicine in order to make her give birth : to cause (labor or birth) to begin by giving special drugs to a pregnant woman

See the full definition for induce in the English Language Learners Dictionary

induce

verb
in·​duce | \ in-ˈdüs How to pronounce induce (audio) , -ˈdyüs\
induced; inducing

Kids Definition of induce

1 : to cause to do something Her pleas induced us to give.
2 : to bring about Warm milk induces sleepiness.
3 : to produce (as an electric current) by induction

induce

transitive verb
in·​duce | \ in-ˈd(y)üs How to pronounce induce (audio) \
induced; inducing

Medical Definition of induce

1

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