entice Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb provoke someone to do something through (often false or exaggerated) promises or persuasion
    lure; tempt.
    • He lured me into temptation

WordNet

En*tice" transitive verb
Etymology
OE. entisen, enticen, OF. enticier, entichier; pref. en- (L. in) + a word of uncertain origin, cf. OF. atisier to stir a fire, provoke, L. titio firebrand, or MHG. zicken to push.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Enticed ; present participle & verbal noun Enticing
Definitions
  1. To draw on, by exciting hope or desire; to allure; to attract; as, the bait enticed the fishes. Often in a bad sense: To lead astray; to induce to evil; to tempt; as, the sirens enticed them to listen.
    Roses blushing as they blow, And enticing men to pull. Beau. & Fl.
    My son, if sinners entice thee, consent thou not. Prov. i. 10.
    Go, and thine erring brother gain, Entice him home to be forgiven. Keble.
    Syn. -- To allure; lure; coax; decoy; seduce; tempt; inveigle; incite; persuade; prevail on. See Allure.

Webster 1913