First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
seduce
transitive verb se·duce \si-ˈdüs, -ˈdyüs\
: to persuade (someone) to have sex with you
: to persuade (someone) to do something
se·ducedse·duc·ing
Full Definition of SEDUCE
1
: to persuade to disobedience or disloyalty
2
: to lead astray usually by persuasion or false promises
3
: to carry out the physical seduction of : entice to sexual intercourse
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Origin of SEDUCE
Late Latin seducere, from Latin, to lead away, from se- apart + ducere to lead — more at tow
Related to SEDUCE
Synonym Discussion of SEDUCE
lure, entice, inveigle, decoy, tempt, seduce mean to lead astray from one's true course. lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving <lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes>. entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means <advertising designed to entice new customers>. inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering <fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni>. decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice <attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush>. tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment <tempted by the offer of money>. seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises <seduced by assurances of assistance>.
SEDUCING Defined for Kids
seduce
verb se·duce \si-ˈdüs, -ˈdyüs\
se·ducedse·duc·ing
Definition of SEDUCE for Kids
: to persuade (someone) to do something and especially to do something wrong <She was seduced into crime.>
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