What does enticement mean?
Enticement is a noun referring to the act of tempting or luring someone to do something, usually by holding out the promise of pleasure, profit, or some other advantage. It also denotes the lure itself: a bonus, a bargain, or any attractive offer designed to draw a person in. The word derives from the verb 'entice', which traces back through Old French to the Latin 'incitare', meaning to urge on or set in motion. In everyday use, enticement often carries a subtle note of suspicion — it suggests persuasion that may not be entirely in the tempted person's interest, as in false enticements offered by fraudsters. Yet it can be perfectly neutral, as when employers describe financial enticements to attract skilled workers. Common collocations include 'irresistible enticement' and 'enticement to'. Formal in register, the word appears frequently in journalism, advertising commentary, and legal writing, where enticement can even constitute an offence when it involves luring someone into unlawful conduct.
The act or process of tempting or attracting someone to do something by offering pleasure, reward, or advantage.
"The promise of a free cruise proved a powerful enticement to sign up for the timeshare presentation."
Often implies persuasion that may be against the person's better judgement; in law, enticement can refer to unlawfully luring someone.
A thing that tempts or attracts; a lure or allurement.
"Warm sunshine and sandy beaches are the island's chief enticements for winter travellers."
Used when referring to multiple distinct lures, offers, or attractions rather than the general act of enticing.
"The brochure listed all the enticements included in the holiday package."
Enticement shares its ancient root with 'incite' — the same Latin verb that once meant to set a dog on someone now describes both the gentlest temptation and the sharpest provocation.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enticement
Enticement comes from the verb 'entice', which entered English from Old French 'enticier', meaning to stir up or incite. This in turn derives from the Latin 'incitare', formed from 'in-' (upon) and 'citare' (to set in motion, summon). The noun 'enticement' appeared in English in the late Middle Ages, retaining the core idea of stirring someone toward action through temptation. Its Latin cousins include 'incite' and 'incentive', which share the same root notion of setting something into motion.
Related word forms
How enticement is actually used
Enticement is a relatively formal word, common in written English and legal contexts. It frequently carries a slightly negative connotation, suggesting manipulation or seduction toward something unwise or improper, though it can be entirely neutral when describing legitimate incentives such as job offers or promotions.
Easily confused with enticement
An enticement is a lure that attracts or tempts someone toward something pleasant or rewarding, while an incitement is something that provokes or stirs someone toward action, often of an unlawful, violent, or harmful kind.