Seduce
/sɪˈdjuːs/noun
To entice someone into engaging in sexual activity or to lead someone astray from their intentions.
Did you know?The word 'seduce' stems from Latin roots meaning 'to lead away', linking it to ancient practices of allure and deception in both love and power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sed-
“to sit or settle, implying a sense of positioning or leading.”
Latin
Latin
seducere
“to lead away, especially in a romantic or deceptive context.”
Old French
Old French
seduire
“to lead astray or entice, often with sexual undertones.”
Middle English
Middle English
seducen
“to lead into sin or temptation.”
Modern English
English
seduce
“to attract someone into engaging in sexual activity or to mislead.”