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Definition of tempt

tempt

/tɛmpt/
tempt
Adverb:temptingly
•
Adjective:tempting
•
Past Simple:tempted
•
Past Participle:tempted
•
Present Participle:tempting
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tempt Lexical Profile

tempt Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To entice or allure someone to do or acquire something that they find attractive, especially something that may be unwise, indulgent, or wrong.

Example

"The aroma of freshly baked pastries from the corner bakery was enough to tempt even the most disciplined dieter."

2

To risk provoking or inviting an unwelcome consequence by acting rashly or overconfidently (especially in relation to fate or providence).

Example

"Leaving the cabin windows open while dark clouds gathered overhead seemed to tempt fate."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for tempt
Antonyms
View all antonyms for tempt

• Rhymes for tempt

• Nearby Words

temporarily
temporariness
temporary
tempt
temptation
tempter
tempting

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French tempter, from Latin temptare or tentare ('to handle, test, try, or urge'), originally a frequentative form of tendere ('to stretch or reach out').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Tempt. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/tempt
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