Attractive or tempting in a way that makes someone want to do or have something, especially something they might otherwise resist.
From Latin 'seducere,' combining 'se-' (apart) and 'ducere' (to lead), literally 'to lead astray.' The word entered English in the 1600s with its current meaning.
The word 'seductive' originally implied deception—leading someone astray—but now it's often used positively, showing how language evolves to soften negative concepts we're more comfortable with.
Historically applied to women as a moral failing or warning (seductive woman = threat). Men described as 'seductive' are charming/powerful; women, manipulative/dangerous. The term encodes gendered power assumptions about sexuality and agency.
Use 'appealing,' 'attractive,' 'persuasive,' or 'compelling' for neutral description. If discussing seduction as a tactic, name it directly without gendered subtext.
["appealing","attractive","persuasive","compelling","charming"]
Reclaiming female sexuality without shame requires language that doesn't code desire as inherent danger; specificity ('she persuaded him with evidence') centers agency over passive allure.
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