tempt
Third Person
tempts
Present Participle
tempting
Past Tense
tempted
Past Participle
tempted
1
to make someone do something that seems interesting, despite them knowing it might be wrong or not good for them
- He tried to tempt his friend into joining the adventure by painting an exciting and exaggerated picture of the journey.
- The aroma of freshly baked cookies tempted her to break her diet and indulge in a sweet treat.
- The allure of easy money tempted him to participate in the risky investment scheme.
- The promise of a lavish vacation tempted them into taking out a loan they couldn't afford to repay.
2
to feel the desire to do something
transitive
- The urge to splurge on designer shoes tempted her every time she passed by the boutique window.
- The prospect of spending a quiet evening at home with a good book tempted her after a long week.
- The delicious aroma of freshly baked cookies tempted him to have just one more.
- The idea of taking a day off work tempted him, but he knew he had too many responsibilities.
- His offer of a free concert ticket tempted her into going even though she had other plans.
Synonyms:
3
to lure or seduce someone into committing an immoral or unethical action by offering them something desirable
transitive
- The con artist tempted unsuspecting victims with promises of quick and easy money.
- The drug dealer tempted vulnerable teenagers with offers of free drugs.
- The online scammer tempted users with phishing emails promising prizes or lottery winnings.
- The cult leader tempted followers with promises of spiritual enlightenment and eternal salvation.