The act of attracting someone to engage in sexual behavior or to adopt certain beliefs through charm or persuasion.
From Latin 'seducere' meaning to lead away or aside, from 'se-' (aside) and 'ducere' (to lead). Originally used in the 15th century for leading someone astray from virtue or duty, later specializing in romantic/sexual contexts.
The art of seduction has been studied since ancient times - Ovid's 'Ars Amatoria' was essentially a Roman pickup manual from 2 AD. Modern psychology reveals that seduction often works through creating a sense of mystery and intermittent reinforcement, the same principles that make gambling addictive.
Historically weaponized against women, particularly in legal/moral frameworks where women's 'seductiveness' justified male violence. Tied to Madonna-whore dichotomy and victim-blaming narratives.
Avoid framing seduction as inherently feminine or as deflection from accountability. Use neutral terms like 'persuasion' or 'coercion' depending on context.
["persuasion","attraction","coercion (if non-consensual)"]
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