Entice

/ɪnˈtaɪs/

Meaning & Definition

verb
To attract or draw in by appealing to desire or imagination.
The advertisement was designed to entice customers into buying the new product.
To lure or tempt someone to do something, often by offering pleasure or reward.
The idea of a tropical vacation can entice anyone to save money.
To provoke someone to act in a certain way.
She hoped to entice him into joining the team with promises of success.
To lead someone into a particular situation or action, especially one that is undesirable.
He was enticed into making bad decisions by his friends.

Etymology

Middle English, from Old French 'enticier', from 'en-' (in) + 'ticiér' (to kindle, incite)

Common Phrases and Expressions

entice someone into doing something:
to persuade someone to do something by offering an attractive opportunity.
entice with something sweet:
to attract with something pleasing or desirable.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

to hook up or engage someone romantically
He was trying to entice her at the bar all night.
to lead someone into a situation
They enticed the new player into joining their team with promises of fun.