allure

[ uh-loor ]

verb (used with object)

, al·lured, al·lur·ing.

1. to attract or tempt by something flattering or desirable.

   Synonyms: lure, entice

2. to fascinate; charm.

   Synonyms: captivate, entrance, enchant

verb (used without object)

, al·lured, al·lur·ing.

1. to be attractive or tempting.

noun

1. fascination; charm; appeal.

   Synonyms: attraction, glamour

allure

/ əˈlʊə; əˈljʊə /

verb

1. tr to entice or tempt (someone) to a person or place or to a course of action; attract

noun

1. attractiveness; appeal

   the cottage's allure was its isolation

Derived Forms

• alˈlurement, noun
• alˈlurer, noun

Other Words From

• al·lurer noun
• unal·lured adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of allure¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English aluren, from Middle French alurer, from a- a- ⁵ + lurer “to lure”; lure

Word History and Origins

Origin of allure¹

C15: from Old French alurer, from lure bait, lure

Example Sentences

One of the most alluring aspects of Trumpism to Christian conservatives is his vision of masculine power unchecked by accountability.

From Salon

Turns out that the alluring woman gracing the book’s cover is the same one who appears in these pages: intelligent, sensitive and engaging.

From Los Angeles Times

A subtle camera push heightens the alluring atmosphere that paints a portrait of quintessential Joker: juxtaposing beauty with anarchy.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s also the crazed racket of “Motorbike Song” and the alluring ballad “Big Dreams,” written on acoustic guitar and matched in tone by a wistful music video directed by longtime collaborator John Angus Stewart.

From Los Angeles Times

It all percolates in the shadowy urban allure of Paul Guilhaume’s cinematography, especially as it plays across its leading ladies’ faces, turning skin into a mood palette, burnishing all the musical interludes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beguile
• bewitch
• captivate
• enchant