First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
blandish
verb blan·dish \ˈblan-dish\
Definition of BLANDISH
transitive verb
: to coax with flattery : cajole
intransitive verb
: to act or speak in a flattering or coaxing manner
— blan·dish·er noun
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Origin of BLANDISH
Middle English, from Anglo-French blandiss-, stem of blandir, from Latin blandiri, from blandus mild, flattering
Synonym Discussion of BLANDISH
cajole, coax, soft-soap, blandish, wheedle mean to influence or persuade by pleasing words or actions. cajole suggests the deliberate use of flattery to persuade in the face of reluctance or reasonable objections <cajoled him into cheating on the final exam>. coax implies gentle and persistent words or actions employed to produce a desired effect <coaxed the cat out of the tree>. soft-soap refers to using smooth and somewhat insincere talk usually for personal gain <politicians soft-soaping eligible voters>. blandish implies a more open desire to win a person over by effusive praise and affectionate actions <legislators blandished with promises of support>. wheedle suggests more strongly than cajole the use of seductive appeal or artful words in persuading <hucksters wheedling her life's savings out of her>.
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