inducement

noun

in·​duce·​ment in-ˈdüs-mənt 

-ˈdyüs-

1

: a motive or consideration that leads one to action or to additional or more effective actions

2

: the act or process of inducing

3

: matter presented by way of introduction or background to explain the principal allegations of a legal cause, plea, or defense

Synonyms

• conversion
• convincing
• inducing
• persuading
• persuasion
• suasion

Choose the Right Synonym for inducement

motive, impulse, incentive, inducement, spur, goad mean a stimulus to action.

motive implies an emotion or desire operating on the will and causing it to act.

a motive for the crime

impulse suggests a driving power arising from personal temperament or constitution.

buying on impulse

incentive applies to an external influence (such as an expected reward) inciting to action.

a bonus was offered as an incentive

inducement suggests a motive prompted by the deliberate enticements or allurements of another.

offered a watch as an inducement to subscribe

spur applies to a motive that stimulates the faculties or increases energy or ardor.

fear was a spur to action

goad suggests a motive that keeps one going against one's will or desire.

thought insecurity a goad to worker efficiency

Examples of inducement in a Sentence

Was his decision influenced by any illegal financial inducements?

Employees were offered a bonus as an inducement to finish the project on schedule.

The low interest rate was little inducement for individuals to save money.

Recent Examples on the Web

In some ways, the House settlement accepts and accommodates this reality while also aiming to put some of that inducement back in the tube. —Justin Williams, The Athletic, 1 Aug. 2024

Through a combination of coercion and inducement, China has sought to simultaneously expand its geopolitical clout and mitigate its domestic overcapacity challenges by expanding its engagement with the global South. —Leslie Vinjamuri, Foreign Affairs, 15 Nov. 2024

In football, especially, huge deals are used as inducements. —Louisa Thomas, The New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2024

That included a conviction in 2010 for compensation or inducement for referral of clients who went to preferred medical providers to run up high bills. —Don Lee, Los Angeles Times, 13 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

inducement

noun

in·​duce·​ment in-ˈd(y)ü-smənt 

1

: the act of inducing

2

: something that induces

a money-back guarantee is an inducement to buy

Legal Definition

inducement

noun

in·​duce·​ment in-ˈdüs-mənt, -ˈdyüs- 

1

: factual matter presented by way of introduction or background to explain the principal allegations of a legal cause (as of slander or libel) compare innuendo

2

: a significant offer or act that promises or encourages

the inducements amounted to entrapment