To try to persuade someone to do something wrong or unwise; or to provoke or attract someone.
From Old French 'tempter' and Latin 'temptare' meaning 'to test or try.' Originally meant to test or attempt something. The sense of moral danger comes from Christian theology and religious texts.
The original Latin meaning 'to test' is still hiding in the word—temptation is a *test* of character. That's why the devil 'tempts' in religious texts: it's literally testing whether you're virtuous, with consequences.
Temptation narratives historically centered on women as temptresses (Eve, Pandora, Salome) and men as victims of female seduction, establishing women as moral agents of corruption.
Use with neutral framing; avoid gendered temptress tropes. Apply equally to all actors.
["entice (neutral)","lure","attract"]
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