English vocabulary · C1
Seduce
/sɪˈduːs/ · v.
to tempt someone away from what they know is right.
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Example sentences
- The generous offer slowly began to seduce him.
- Fresh bread can seduce even the strongest will.
Word origin and roots
from Latin
- se — away (from Latin)
- duc — lead (from Latin)
Synonyms and nuances
- TEMPT (making something appealing to desire)
- LURE (drawing someone in with an attractive offer)
- ENTICE (attracting someone with promising rewards)
Words with the same root
ducere — to lead
- educate — to lead out — to draw knowledge out of a person
- produce — to lead forward — to bring into existence
- conduct — to lead together — to guide or manage
Lesson notes
Seduce. It means to tempt someone away from what they know is right.
Similar words are tempt, lure, and entice. Use seduce when temptation wins.
The generous offer slowly began to seduce him. Fresh bread can seduce even the strongest will.
From Latin. Se means away. Duc means lead. Lead you away from your path — that is to seduce.