temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of tempting or the state of being tempted especially to evil : enticement

2

: something tempting : a cause or occasion of enticement

Synonyms

• allurement
• enticement
• lure
• seduction

Examples of temptation in a Sentence

Money is always a temptation.

The dessert menu has a lot of delicious temptations.

the temptations of the city

Recent Examples on the Web

This approach not only reduces the temptation to use those funds for discretionary expenses but also makes saving a seamless and habitual process. —True Tamplin, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

But Syria’s future will hinge on its ability to refuse the temptation of collective punishment for ordinary Alawites—and its willingness to instead guarantee their safety. —Loubna Mrie, The Atlantic, 20 Dec. 2024

Outsiders should strongly discourage any new factional conflict and resist the temptation to advance their own interests by supporting one group over another. —Sam Heller, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2024

Some will lionize the killer, while others succumb to the temptation to defend the insurance companies. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 16 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English temptacioun "testing, enticement to sin," borrowed from Anglo-French tentacion, borrowed from Late Latin temptātiōn-, temptātiō "enticement to sin," going back to Latin, "attempt, attack," from temptāre "to feel, test, attempt, make an assault on, attack" + -tiōn-, -tiō, suffix of verbal action — more at tempt

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

temptation

noun

temp·​ta·​tion tem(p)-ˈtā-shən 

1

: the act of tempting : the state of being tempted especially to evil

2

: something tempting