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temptation

n.
US //tɛmˈteɪʃən// UK //tɛmptˈeɪʃən// temp·ta·tion
  1. 1 the desire to do something wrong (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the feeling of wanting to do something that you know is bad, wrong, or unhealthy.

    the psychological state of being enticed toward a course of action that is typically unwise, immoral, or prohibited.

    Example

    He felt a strong temptation to check his phone during the quiet movie.

    Example

    Despite his commitment to the diet, the temptation to indulge in the dessert buffet proved nearly impossible to resist.

    Usage

    Often followed by an infinitive ('to do') or the preposition 'of'.
    Pitfall
    I had the temptation for eating the cake.
    I had the temptation to eat the cake.

    Use 'temptation to' followed by a verb, or 'temptation of' followed by a noun.

  2. 2 an attractive thing (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that is very attractive and makes you want it, even if you should not have it.

    an external object, person, or situation that serves as an inducement or enticement.

    Example

    The bright toys in the shop window were a great temptation for the children.

    Example

    For a young professional in the city, the vibrant nightlife represents a constant temptation to overspend on socialising.

    Teacher's tip

    In this sense, the word is usually countable and can be used with 'a' or in the plural.
Origin

From Old French temptacion, from Latin temptatio. Morphologically tempt + -ation.

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