temptation

[ temp-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act of tempting; enticement or allurement.

   Synonyms: inducement, seduction, pull, attraction, lure

2. something that tempts, entices, or allures.
3. the fact or state of being tempted, especially to evil.
4. an instance of this.
5. (initial capital letter) the temptation of Christ by Satan. Matthew 4.

temptation

/ tɛmpˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. the act of tempting or the state of being tempted
2. a person or thing that tempts

Other Words From

• temp·tation·al adjective
• nontemp·tation noun
• pretemp·tation noun
• super·temp·tation noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of temptation¹

First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English temptacion, from Latin temptātiōn- (stem of temptātiō ) “a testing”; tempt, -ation

Example Sentences

Avoid the temptation of buying from elsewhere.

From BBC

When David Cameron became Leader of the Opposition later that year, he initially resisted the temptation to impose a cap, but he too became convinced that a number was deliverable.

From BBC

Having claimed for months that he wanted his government to serve its full term into next year, the temptation of positive polls has clearly proved too much.

From BBC

The first temptation was the offer of turning stones into bread.

From Salon

I don't know if it is or it isn't, but I do know there is a specific message in the gospel about the temptation of greed, and I know that temptation can undermine the teachings of Jesus Christ.

From Salon