Induce

/ɪnˈdjuːs/

Meaning & Definition

verb
to cause or bring about something, often as a result of a specific action.
The research team hopes to induce a response in the immune system with their new vaccine.
to lead someone to do something, especially through persuasion or influence.
The advertisement was designed to induce consumers to buy the new product.
to bring on labor or a medical condition artificially.
The doctor decided to induce labor to ensure the safety of both mother and child.

Etymology

From Latin 'inducere', meaning 'to lead in'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

induce nausea:
To cause a feeling of sickness or vomiting.
induce labor:
To trigger childbirth artificially.
induce a reaction:
To provoke a response or action.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

To get someone to do something they might not want to.
He really had to induce her to go out this weekend.
To convince or manipulate.
He managed to induce them into believing the story.