What does temptation mean?
Temptation names the pull that makes a person want something they may need to resist. It can describe ordinary attraction—the temptation of a beautiful view, a new experience, or an appealing offer—or, more specifically, an inducement to pursue an action that is unwise, improper, or forbidden. The word is especially common in moral and religious contexts, as in resisting temptation, but it is also used neutrally for strong commercial, artistic, or personal appeal. Its force lies in the contrast between desire and restraint: temptation suggests that an alternative is attractive enough to challenge judgment, self-control, or established rules. As a countable noun, it can identify a particular lure or opportunity, as in “the temptation to check the phone late at night.” Temptation is related to the older verb tempt and, through it, to attempt, and its long history gives the modern noun a sense of a deliberate test as well as an irresistible invitation.
nounThe quality of arousing a strong desire to have, do, or experience something, especially when doing so may be unwise, improper, or forbidden. It can also refer to a particular attractive person, thing, or opportunity.
- Strong attraction or desire that encourages a person to do something, especially something they ought to resist.
- A particular attractive person, thing, experience, or opportunity that entices someone.
- The act or condition of enticing someone to act against their judgment, principles, or rules.
"The sight of the jewelled shop window was irresistible temptation."
"Despite the temptation to check her phone, she put it away and continued reading."
"The professor warned the students about the temptation to cheat during the exam."
"The secluded beach offered a powerful temptation to spend the whole day there."
The plural is used for multiple attractions, inducements, or instances of being tempted.
"He was not immune to the temptations of wealth and status."
Temptation began with a sense of testing: its Latin ancestor could mean to touch, try, or test before developing its modern meaning of entice.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does temptation come from?
The noun entered Middle English through Anglo-French temptacion, which came from Latin temptationem, a noun formed from temptare. The Latin verb could mean “to touch,” “to try or test,” and later “to entice.” English tempt and tempter follow the same Latin source, while attempt was independently borrowed from the Latin verb attemptare.
Related word forms
How temptation is actually used
The word is especially common in moral, religious, and legal contexts, where it describes an inducement to wrongdoing. It can also be used neutrally for ordinary or commercial appeal, as in “the temptation of an early flight.” Pronunciation and usage are broadly the same in British and American English.