Meaning of seduce in English

Table of contents
  1. Pronunciation
  2. Verb
    1. Etymology
    2. Definitions

  1. Pronunciation

    /səˈd(j)us/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    seduce

    Etymology

    late 15th century (originally in the sense ‘persuade (someone) to abandon their duty’): from Latin seducere, from se-‘away, apart’ + ducere‘to lead’

    Definitions

    1. induce to have sex

    Examples

    • « Harry finally seduced Sally »
    • « Did you score last night? »
    • « Harry made Sally »

    Derived terms

  2. 2. lure or entice away from duty, principles, or proper conduct

    Examples

    • « She was seduced by the temptation of easy money and started to work in a massage parlor »

    Derived terms

Famous quotes

  • « The other day I got a text from a boy, but it wasn't hot. I mean, if you're going to text me every day, you haven't seen me for months and you're trying to seduce me, you'd better spice up that text and make it more exciting than 'How was your day? I hope you're having a beautiful one.' Sadly, I haven't been doing a lot of kissing lately. »
    Chloe Sevigny
  • « Design must seduce, shape, and perhaps more importantly, evoke an emotional response. »
    April Greiman
  • « To seduce a woman famous for strict morals, religious fervor and the happiness of her marriage: what could possibly be more prestigious? »
    Christopher Hampton
  • « If I became a philosopher, if I have so keenly sought this fame for which I'm still waiting, it's all been to seduce women basically. »
    Jean-Paul Sartre

Browse dictionary