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tempt

verb
\ ˈtem(p)t How to pronounce tempt (audio) \
tempted; tempting; tempts

Definition of tempt

transitive verb

1 : to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain
2a : to induce to do something
b : to cause to be strongly inclined was tempted to call it quits
3a : to try presumptuously : provoke tempt fate
b : to risk the dangers of
c obsolete : to make trial of : test
Other Words from tempt Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about tempt

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Other Words from tempt

temptable \ ˈtem(p)-​tə-​bəl How to pronounce temptable (audio) \ adjective

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

 Mr Trump appeared tempted, but Mr Rouhani said there would be no negotiations until American sanctions on Iran are lifted. — The Economist, "Politics this week," 31 Aug. 2019 Her defense attorneys may be sorely tempted to advise her to do that, writes John Kass. — Chicago Tribune Staff, chicagotribune.com, "Daywatch: Critics call on Lightfoot to keep promises, toddler killed in ‘unfortunate accident’ at Orland Square Mall and other things to know to start your day," 29 Aug. 2019 Americans seeking the fattest paychecks might be drawn to prosperous California cities like San Jose in Silicon Valley or tempted to try their luck in bustling New York City. — Sarah Min, CBS News, "Top 10 U.S. cities where your salary goes furthest," 28 Aug. 2019 In over his head, under duress, and tempted by his old weaknesses, Don soon discovers that the house has its own dark, sordid history and won’t be so easy to renovate after all. — Clark Collis, EW.com, "Girl on the Third Floor," 28 Aug. 2019 The funding and construction of Oriole Park at Camden Yards was fueled by concern in the late 1980s that the Orioles also might be tempted to leave. — Peter Schmuck, baltimoresun.com, "Schmuck: Despite speculation, Orioles not on the market to be moved or sold," 15 Aug. 2019 The area’s early gentry made enough money from their land to build grand houses, but Norfolk’s relative isolation, and its featureless, flat landscape, meant the land never became so valuable that those families were tempted to cash in. — Simon Usborne, Town & Country, "How Rumors of a Feud Between Kate Middleton and Rose Cholmondeley Captivated a Posh Corner of Britain," 5 Aug. 2019 Looking in these birds’ guts is how Beck studies the plastic bobbing on the ocean’s surface and tempting hungry animals. — Rachel Becker, The Mercury News, "Seabirds eating plastic. Recyclers struggling. This is what California’s waste crisis looks like," 3 Aug. 2019 Workers from the Department of Motor Vehicles walked across the street for lemonade and passersby stopped, tempted by the homemade cookies. — Kathleen Mcwilliams, courant.com, "Wethersfield cousins run lemonade stand to fundraise for Camp Courant," 16 Aug. 2019

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

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for tempt

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

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More Definitions for tempt

tempt

verb
How to pronounce tempt (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of tempt

: to cause (someone) to do or want to do something even though it may be wrong, bad, or unwise

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

tempt

verb
\ ˈtempt How to pronounce tempt (audio) \
tempted; tempting

Kids Definition of tempt

: to consider or cause to consider doing something wrong or unwise Sometimes in nice weather, she is tempted to skip school. He tempted me to cheat.

Other Words from tempt

tempter noun

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More from Merriam-Webster on tempt

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for tempt

Spanish Central: Translation of tempt

Nglish: Translation of tempt for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of tempt for Arabic Speakers

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