What does tempt mean?
To tempt is to entice someone strongly, usually by offering something appealing or making a course of action seem attractive. The word frequently carries a warning: a tempting opportunity may be dangerous, deceptive, or ethically questionable. A person can be tempted by food, money, power, novelty, or another person, and can also be tempted to perform an action that should be resisted. As a verb, tempt is commonly followed by a person or group as its object: “The offer tempted the investors.” It can also take a to-infinitive, as in “She tempted him to stay,” or appear with with, as in “They tempted him with a substantial discount.” Although the word is used in ordinary, formal, and literary contexts alike, its common implication is that the attraction is powerful enough to challenge someone’s judgment or self-control.
verbTo entice or attract someone strongly, especially by offering something desirable or by making an action seem advantageous. It often implies that the attraction may lead someone into an unwise or improper choice.
- To entice or attract someone by presenting something desirable.
- To induce or persuade someone to do something, especially something risky, improper, or unwise.
"The warm summer evening tempted them to stay out much longer than planned."
"The shop tempted passersby with samples of its famous chocolate cake."
"She was tempted to cheat on the exam, but she ultimately decided against it."
Tempt has long carried a double edge: what looks irresistible may be a trap.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of tempt
The word entered Middle English from Old French tempter, “to entice” or “to tempt.” Its ultimate source is Latin temptare, meaning “to touch, try, attract, or entice,” a word associated with the broader root of stretching or exerting influence. The modern sense developed from the older idea of drawing someone toward a person or course of action. Related forms include temptation and tempter, while the present participle tempting and the past tense tempted remain part of the same productive word family.
Related word forms
How tempt is actually used
The word is neutral in register but commonly suggests an inducement that carries a risk or a possible moral cost. It is often transitive, taking the person or people being tempted as its object, although it can also be used intransitively in literary contexts.