induce

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To cause something to happen or to produce a particular effect.

   Certain foods can induce sleep.

2. 2
   verb

   To persuade or influence someone to do something.

   Nothing could induce him to change his mind.

3. 3
   verb

   To start labour in a pregnant woman with medical help.

   The doctor decided to induce her a week before the due date.

From Middle English enducen, borrowed from Latin indūcere (“lead in, bring in, introduce”), from in + dūcō (“lead, conduct”). Compare also abduce, adduce, conduce, deduce, produce, reduce etc. Doublet of endue.

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