seduce

[ si-doos, -dyoos ]

verb (used with object)

, se·duced, se·duc·ing.

1. to lead astray, as from duty, rectitude, or the like; corrupt.

   Synonyms: deceive, lure, allure, decoy, inveigle, beguile

   Antonyms: repel

2. to persuade or induce to have sexual intercourse.
3. to lead or draw away, as from principles, faith, or allegiance:

   He was seduced by the prospect of gain.

4. to win over; attract; entice:

   a supermarket seducing customers with special sales.

seduce

/ sɪˈdjuːs /

verb

1. to persuade to engage in sexual intercourse
2. to lead astray, as from the right action
3. to win over, attract, or lure

Derived Forms

• seˈducible, adjective

Other Words From

• se·ducer noun
• se·duci·ble se·ducea·ble adjective
• se·ducing·ly adverb
• unse·duci·ble adjective
• unse·duci·ble·ness noun
• unse·duci·bly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of seduce¹

First recorded in 1470–80; from Latin sēdūcere “to lead aside,” equivalent to sē- se- + dūcere “to lead”; replacing earlier seduise, from Middle French, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of seduce¹

C15: from Latin sēdūcere to lead apart, from sē- apart + dūcere to lead

Synonym Study

See tempt.

Related Words

• attract
• beguile
• captivate
• charm
• rizz up
• tempt