Word
seduction
Phoneticsse·duc·tion
US/sɪˈdəkʃən/
UK/sɪdˈʌkʃən/
Definitions
01sexual persuasion
n. the act of persuading someone to have sex with you, often by using charm or gifts.
n. the act of enticing someone into sexual activity, typically through deliberate persuasion or charm.
“The movie tells a story of seduction and betrayal in a small town.”
“The protagonist's slow seduction of his rival's partner was calculated to cause maximum social damage within their tight-knit circle.”
Usage
Often used as an uncountable noun for the general act, or countable for a specific instance.
Synonyms
02attractive quality
n. a quality that makes something very attractive or tempting, even if it might be bad for you.
n. the enticing or alluring quality of a particular thing or situation.
“He couldn't resist the seduction of a high-paying job in the city.”
“The seductions of fame and easy money often lead young athletes to make poor long-term financial decisions.”
Usage
Frequently used in the plural form when referring to multiple tempting aspects.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03legal felony
n. an old law about a man tricking a woman into sex by promising to marry her.
n. the historical felony of inducing a chaste, unmarried woman to engage in intercourse via a promise of marriage.
“In the 19th century, a man could be sued for the seduction of a young woman.”
“The legal archives contain numerous cases of seduction where the primary evidence was a series of broken promises regarding a future wedding.”
Archaic · Technical
Usage
Used as a specific legal term in historical contexts; no longer a valid criminal charge in most modern jurisdictions.
Teaching tip
This sense is archaic; learners should only use it when discussing historical law or literature.
Real-World Examples
“It is the seduction of a million and one possibilities: everything and everyone that lies beyond us, all that is not us – life itself.” “Their power relies on aura and seduction rather than traditional gender roles.” Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French séduction, from Latin sēductiō, from sēdūcō. Equivalent to seduce + -tion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
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englishreference.com/q/seduction