entice

verb en·tice \in-ˈtīs, en-\

: to attract (someone) especially by offering or showing something that is appealing, interesting, etc.

en·ticeden·tic·ing

Full Definition of ENTICE

transitive verb

: to attract artfully or adroitly or by arousing hope or desire : tempt

— en·tice·ment \-ˈtī-smənt\ noun

— en·tic·ing·ly \-ˈtī-siŋ-lē\ adverb

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Origin of ENTICE

Middle English, from Anglo-French enticer, from Vulgar Latin *intitiare, from Latin in- + titio firebrand

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ENTICE

Synonyms: allure, bait, beguile, betray, decoy, lure, lead on, seduce, solicit, tempt

Synonym Discussion of ENTICE

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>.