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

During turbulent times, resist the temptation to abandon your strategy. —Jamie Robinson, Forbes, 6 Dec. 2024

But with tension building between them, temptation blows in on every tropical breeze. —Nora Dahlia, People.com, 2 Dec. 2024

Years later, the crafty canine is feeling angsty and tempted to return to his criminal pastimes when temptation comes knocking right next door. —Jennifer M. Wood, WIRED, 21 Nov. 2024

The temptation could be the greatest for those who can least afford it. —Susan Tompor, Detroit Free Press, 21 Nov. 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