seduce









seduce


verb (used with object), se·duced, se·duc·ing.

  1. to lead astray, as from duty, rectitude, or the like; corrupt.
  2. to persuade or induce to have sexual intercourse.
  3. to lead or draw away, as from principles, faith, or allegiance: He was seduced by the prospect of gain.
  4. to win over; attract; entice: a supermarket seducing customers with special sales.

verb (tr)

  1. to persuade to engage in sexual intercourse
  2. to lead astray, as from the right action
  3. to win over, attract, or lure

v.1520s, “to persuade a vassal, etc., to desert his allegiance or service,” from Latin seducere “lead away, lead astray,” from se- “aside, away” (see secret (n.)) + ducere “to lead” (see duke (n.)). Sexual sense, now the prevailing one, is attested from 1550s and apparently was not in Latin. Originally “entice (a woman) to a surrender of chastity.” Related: Seduced; seducing. Replaced Middle English seduisen (late 15c.), from Middle French séduire “seduce,” from Old French suduire “to corrupt, seduce,” from Latin subducere “draw away, withdraw, remove,” from sub- “from under, further” (see sub-) + ducere “to lead” (see duke).

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