entice

[ en-tahys ]

verb (used with object)

, en·ticed, en·tic·ing.

1. to lead on by exciting hope or desire; allure; inveigle:

   They were enticed westward by dreams of gold.

   Synonyms: tempt, decoy, attract, lure

   Antonyms: repel

entice

/ ɪnˈtaɪs /

verb

1. tr to attract or draw towards oneself by exciting hope or desire; tempt; allure

Derived Forms

• enˈticing, adjective
• enˈticingly, adverb
• enˈticer, noun
• enˈticement, noun
• enˈticingness, noun

Other Words From

• un·en·ticed adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of entice¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English enticen, from Old French enticier “to incite,” from unattested Vulgar Latin intitiāre, equivalent to Latin in- in- ² + -titiāre, verbal derivative of unattested titius, for titiō “piece of burning wood”

Word History and Origins

Origin of entice¹

C13: from Old French enticier, from Vulgar Latin intitiāre (unattested) to incite, from Latin titiō firebrand

Example Sentences

Her new single “Leash” plays over the film’s closing credits, a grungy and enticing electro-rock single.

From Los Angeles Times

How do you entice people — especially those who now have more options to stay home — to come back to theaters when they have free time?

From Los Angeles Times

He added that marketing strategies and adverts from gambling companies were "particularly enticing" for people suffering financial hardship.

From BBC

The altered format, showing the climax of the season in a less enticing light, was simply down to the need for an early finish.

From BBC

Streaming rights could entice one of those broadcasters to pay up to retain MLB games — and could lure the likes of Apple, Amazon or YouTube to bid as well.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• attract
• beguile
• cajole
• coax
• seduce
• tempt