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

But the film’s portrayal of the allure and damage wrought when someone wields power over you has echoes in Ferreira’s career.

From Los Angeles Times

Newsom, a father of four, including two teens, says he knows the allure of phones.

From Los Angeles Times

The monotony of reheating last night’s dinner collided with the allure of delivery apps, which dangled the promise of something new and indulgent.

From Salon

It's not true, but it's an alluring idea for the status-signalers.

From Salon

Larger states have more people moving in and out, so the trade group also looked at another metric to gauge how alluring a state is for people switching jobs.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• beguile
• bewitch
• captivate
• enchant