seduce

transitive verb se·duce \si-ˈdüs, -ˈdyüs\

: to persuade (someone) to have sex with you

: to persuade (someone) to do something

se·ducedse·duc·ing

Full Definition of SEDUCE

: to persuade to disobedience or disloyalty

: to lead astray usually by persuasion or false promises

: to carry out the physical seduction of : entice to sexual intercourse

: attract

— se·duc·er noun

See seduce defined for kids

Origin of SEDUCE

Late Latin seducere, from Latin, to lead away, from se- apart + ducere to lead — more at tow

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to SEDUCE

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

Synonym Discussion of SEDUCE

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>.

SEDUCE Defined for Kids