# seduce

/sɪˈdus/ (US) · /sɪdjˈuːs/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/seduce
Updated: 2026-08-27

## Senses

### 1. sexual attraction

verb · CEFR B2

to persuade someone to have a sexual relationship with you, usually by being very charming.

For teachers: to entice or induce someone to engage in sexual activity through charm or persuasion.

- In the movie, the spy tries to seduce the guard to get the keys.
- The protagonist was portrayed as a character who could seduce anyone with a combination of wit and calculated vulnerability.

Usage: This is a transitive verb and requires a direct object.

Teaching tip: While often sexual, it can also imply a general loss of judgment due to charm.

### 2. to tempt or win over

verb · CEFR C1 · Formal

to attract someone so much that they do something they shouldn't, or something they didn't plan to do.

For teachers: to lead someone away from duty, principles, or proper conduct by offering a tempting alternative.

- The promise of a huge salary might seduce him into leaving his current job.
- Many young investors were seduced by the prospect of quick riches, ignoring the significant risks involved in the venture.

Usage: Often used in the passive voice: 'to be seduced by something'.

Teaching tip: In this context, the word suggests that the person is being tricked or blinded by a shiny reward.

## Examples

- The beautiful weather might seduce us into staying another day.
- The rival firm tried to seduce their top engineer with a massive salary increase and better benefits.
- While the marketing campaign was designed to seduce younger consumers with promises of exclusivity, the high price point ultimately acted as a significant barrier to entry.

---

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.