inveigle

verb in·vei·gle \in-ˈvā-gəl sometimes -ˈvē-\

: to persuade (someone) to do something in a clever or deceptive way

: to get (something) in a clever or deceptive way

in·vei·gledin·vei·gling \-g(ə-)liŋ\

Full Definition of INVEIGLE

transitive verb

: to win over by wiles : entice

: to acquire by ingenuity or flattery : wangle <inveigled her way into a promotion>

— in·vei·gle·ment \-gəl-mənt\ noun

— in·vei·gler \-g(ə-)lər\ noun

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Origin of INVEIGLE

Anglo-French enveegler, aveogler, avogler to blind, hoodwink, from avogle, enveugle blind, from Medieval Latin ab oculis, literally, lacking eyes

First Known Use: 1539

Synonym Discussion of INVEIGLE

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>.