Meaning & Definition of word "Temptation"
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.