tempt

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   provoke someone to do something through promises or persuasion

   The host tempted me with fine wine and cheese.

2. 2
   verb

   try presumptuously

   St. Anthony was tempted in the desert

3. 3
   verb

   dispose or incline or entice to

   We were tempted by the delicious-looking food

4. 4
   verb

   give rise to a desire by being attractive or inviting

   the window displays tempted the shoppers

5. 5
   verb

   To provoke someone to do wrong, especially by promising a reward; to entice.

   She tempted me to eat the apple.

6. 6
   verb

   To attract; to allure.

   Its glossy skin tempted me.

7. 7
   verb

   To provoke something; to court.

   It would be tempting fate.

8. 8
   verb

   induce into action by using one's charm

Etymology

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”).