# entice

/ɪnˈtaɪs/ (US) · /ɛntˈaɪs/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/entice
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to attract someone by offering them something pleasant or interesting. You use this when someone is tempted to do something because of a reward.

For teachers: to attract or tempt by offering a reward or pleasure. Often implies a degree of persuasion or the use of a lure to influence a decision.

## Examples

- The smell of fresh bread will entice customers into the shop.
- The company tried to entice new employees by offering a generous signing bonus and flexible working hours.
- While the high salary was designed to entice top-tier candidates, many were deterred by the firm's reputation for demanding an unsustainable work-life balance.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They enticed to him with money." but "They enticed him with money." — Entice is a transitive verb and takes a direct object without the preposition 'to'.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and typically follows the pattern 'entice someone into doing something' or 'entice someone to do something'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.