First Known Use: 1539
Dictionary
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
1
: to win over by wiles : entice
2
: 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
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>.
Rhymes with INVEIGLE
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