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tempt

v.
C1 Advanced Oxford US //ˈtɛmpt// UK //tˈɛmpt// tempt

v. to make someone want to do something, even if they know it might be a bad idea. You use this when something looks very attractive or exciting.

v. to entice or incite someone to do something, especially something unwise or immoral, by offering a reward or pleasure. Often used in the passive voice to express a desire for something one should avoid.


SIMPLE

The smell of fresh bread might tempt you to buy some.

CONTEXTUAL

The high salary offered by the competitor began to tempt her away from her current position.

COMPLEX

While the short-term profits might tempt the board to sell the subsidiary, such a move could compromise the company's long-term strategic integrity in the European market.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English tempten, from Old French tempter (French: tenter), from Latin temptare, from tentare (“to handle, touch, try, test, tempt”), frequentative of tendere (“to stretch”). Displaced native English costning (“temptation”).

Usage

The verb is transitive and often takes an object followed by an infinitive ('tempt someone to do').

Pitfall

I am tempted for buying itI am tempted to buy itWhen followed by an action, the verb requires the 'to' infinitive rather than a prepositional phrase with 'for'.

Idioms1 entry

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