Meaning & Definition of word "Temptation"
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Temptation
/tɛmˈteɪʃən/
noun:
- 1. The desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.
- Example: He struggled with the temptation to eat dessert after dinner.
- 2. An attractive or appealing option that leads one to possibly act against one's better judgment.
- Example: The temptation to spend all his savings on a luxury car was strong.
- 3. An enticing influence or allure that may lead one to make poor decisions.
- Example: She resisted the temptation to skip her workout in favor of watching TV.
- 4. The act of tempting or being tempted.
- Example: The temptation of joining the party was too great for him to resist.
Etymology
Late Middle English, from Old French 'temptation', from Latin 'temptationem', from 'temptare' meaning 'to try, to test'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
resist temptation:
To avoid giving in to a desire.
temptation island:
A situation where people are tested by having their desires confronted.
give in to temptation:
To yield to a desire considered wrong.
Related Words
tempt:
To entice someone to do something.
tempting:
Appealing to desire; enticing.
Slang Meanings of temptation
Meaning: The pull to do something reckless or fun.
Example Sentence: He couldn't resist the temptation to skip class and go to the beach.
Meaning: Being distracted by something appealing.
Example Sentence: I was trying to focus on my work, but the temptation of scrolling through social media was too strong.