First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
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
Related to ENTICE
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>.
Rhymes with ENTICE
ENTICINGLY Defined for Kids
entice
verb en·tice \in-ˈtīs\
en·ticeden·tic·ing
Definition of ENTICE for Kids
: to attract by raising hope or desire : tempt <Glittery window displays enticed shoppers.>
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