What does enveigle mean?
Enveigle is a variant spelling of the verb inveigle, which means to persuade or entice someone into doing something through flattery, deception, or persistent coaxing rather than honest argument. A person might enveigle their way into a party they were not invited to, or enveigle money out of a trusting relative, suggesting manipulation beneath a charming surface. The word carries distinctly negative connotations: unlike neutral terms such as persuade or convince, it implies that the persuader's methods are underhanded and the target's judgment has been clouded. The spelling 'enveigle' is encountered occasionally, but standard dictionaries prefer 'inveigle', so writers aiming for correctness should use that form. The word is most at home in formal journalism, literary prose, and discussions of fraud or social maneuvering.
verbA less common spelling variant of 'inveigle', meaning to persuade someone to do something by flattery, deception, or persistent coaxing.
- To persuade someone by means of deception or flattery.
- To obtain something by cajolery or trickery.
"She managed to enveigle an invitation to the exclusive gala through sheer charm."
"He enveigled his way into the meeting despite not being invited."
"The con artist enveigled thousands of pounds out of elderly investors."
This word literally traces back to blindfolding — from Latin 'oculus' meaning eye — because you win people over by keeping them in the dark about your true intentions.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of enveigle
Enveigle, like its standard form inveigle, derives from Anglo-French 'enveigler', itself from Old French 'aveugler' meaning to blind or dazzle, ultimately from Latin 'ab oculus', related to 'oculus' (eye). The original figurative sense was to blindfold someone — hence, metaphorically, to blind them to the truth while leading them astray. It entered English in the late 15th century in the sense 'to blind', later developing the modern meaning of winning someone over by deceitful charm.
How enveigle is actually used
The standard spelling is 'inveigle'; 'enveigle' appears as a variant but may be considered nonstandard in careful writing. The word carries a negative connotation, implying manipulation or dishonest persuasion.
Easily confused with enveigle
'Inveigle' is the standard, accepted spelling; 'enveigle' is a recognized but less frequent variant with the same meaning.