What does seduction mean?
Seduction is the act of enticing or persuading someone, most commonly by appealing to sexual attraction, but also by presenting a person with something powerful or desirable. It can describe either a deliberate process or an irresistible quality: a character may use seduction to gain influence, while a dangerous temptation may exert seduction over the whole audience. The word often carries a sense of charm and calculated appeal, and it is especially common in discussions of sexual attraction, power, political manipulation, and temptation. In religious language, “the seduction of power” or “seduction of fame” suggests temptation that draws people away from more important values. Historically, the word comes through French from Latin, where its root meant “to lead aside,” a fitting image for drawing someone away from their original intention.
nounThe act or process of enticing or persuading someone, especially by appealing to their desires or attractions. It can also refer more broadly to the power of attracting or tempting someone.
- The act or process of persuading someone to engage in sexual activity, especially by appealing to their desires.
- The broader use of charm, attraction, or temptation to lead someone toward a choice, belief, or course of action.
"Her effortless seduction of the audience was impossible to ignore."
"The novel explores the dangerous seduction of forbidden power."
"Her warm personality and quick wit proved unexpectedly persuasive in the negotiation."
Usually used when referring to separate acts, instances, or forms of temptation or sexual enticement.
"The novel depicts several seductions of power and self-control."
From a Latin root meaning “to lead aside,” seduction originally described drawing someone away from their intended path before it came to mean tempting someone toward desire.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does seduction come from?
Seduction entered Middle English through Old French seduction, a noun derived from Latin seductio, meaning “a leading away.” That Latin noun was formed from seducere, “to lead aside,” from sed- “apart” and ducere “to lead.” Modern English developed the broad sense of attracting or tempting someone, with the sexual sense becoming especially prominent in the 17th century.
Related word forms
How seduction is actually used
In its most common modern sense, seduction is usually sexual. In literary, political, or religious contexts, it can be metaphorical, referring to the compelling attraction of money, power, beauty, or temptation.
Easily confused with seduction
Seduction means the act of tempting or attracting someone, whereas deduction means reaching a conclusion by reasoning from facts or premises.