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seduce

verb
se·​duce | \ si-ˈdüs How to pronounce seduce (audio) , -ˈdyüs\
seduced; seducing

Definition of seduce

transitive verb

1 : to persuade to disobedience or disloyalty
2 : to lead astray usually by persuasion or false promises
3 : to carry out the physical seduction of : entice to sexual intercourse
4 : attract
Other Words from seduce Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about seduce

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Other Words from seduce

seducer noun

Choose the Right Synonym for seduce

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 seduce in a Sentence

He tried to seduce her. She was seduced by an older man. The other team seduced him with a better offer.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 But their explosion of flower colors and forms, diverse lifestyles, and extraordinary hardiness—dramatic contrasts to the unassuming Arabidopsis—have seduced researchers studying plant evolution and adaptations. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Meet the monkeyflower, a weed that may hold the key to zebra stripes and other biological mysteries," 29 Aug. 2019 The colors alone seduce us: pink cubes of raw fish glistening atop a green cake of creamy avocado and tart Granny Smith apple. — Tom Sietsema, Washington Post, "At Punjab Grill, there are plenty of gilty pleasures," 21 Aug. 2019 Soccer Link state that Bruce has been completely 'seduced' by the 24-year-old (definitely weird), but his €5m bid for Krafth was rejected by the club, who want a little bit more. — SI.com, "Transfer Rumours: Umtiti to Man Utd, Zappacosta to Leave Chelsea, Liverpool Eye Wonderkid & More," 31 July 2019 In season 3, a Soviet scientist is seduced to the side of good, righteous Americanism by the quintessential capitalist display of a tacky Fourth of July carnival, complete with stuffed animal prizes. — Noah Berlatsky, The Verge, "In season 3, Stranger Things’ celebration of ’80s pop culture becomes a political ideology," 8 July 2019 Cleopatra seduced Julius Caesar to gain his help in reclaiming the throne from her brother Ptolemy XIII. — National Geographic, "Who was Augustus Caesar?," 20 May 2019 The gorgeous design, and the cachet of Apple and Goldman, will surely seduce many customers into trying the card. — The Economist, "Apple and Goldman Sachs launch their credit card," 22 Aug. 2019 An upscale dentist becomes a murder suspect after an attractive patient seduces him into prescribing drugs for her. — Los Angeles Times, "Here are the feature and TV films airing the week of Sunday, Aug. 11, 2019," 11 Aug. 2019 The Wedding Party will seduce you with the unlikely rendezvous of Maddie and Theo, who are attending the nuptials of a mutual friend. — Bridgette Bartlett Royall, Essence, "Great Summer Beach Reads: 5 Sizzling Reads To Crack Open Now," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'seduce.' 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 seduce

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for seduce

Late Latin seducere, from Latin, to lead away, from se- apart + ducere to lead — more at tow entry 1

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More Definitions for seduce

seduce

verb
How to pronounce seduce (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of seduce

: to persuade (someone) to have sex with you
: to persuade (someone) to do something

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

seduce

verb
se·​duce | \ si-ˈdüs How to pronounce seduce (audio) , -ˈdyüs\
seduced; seducing

Kids Definition of seduce

: to persuade (someone) to do something and especially to do something wrong She was seduced into crime.

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More from Merriam-Webster on seduce

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for seduce

Spanish Central: Translation of seduce

Nglish: Translation of seduce for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of seduce for Arabic Speakers

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