Seduction
/sɪˈdʌk.ʃən/noun
The act of enticing someone into sexual or romantic involvement, often through charm or persuasion.
Did you know?In Latin moral and religious writing, seduction could mean leading someone away from virtue, faith, or duty—not merely attracting a lover.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*deuk-
“To lead or guide”
Classical Latin
Latin
dūcere
“To lead, draw, or conduct”
Classical Latin
Latin
sēdūcere
“To lead aside, lead away, or lead astray”
Late Latin
Latin
sēductiō
“A leading away; enticement”
12th–14th Century
Old French
seduction
“Enticement or misleading persuasion”
15th Century
English
seduction
“The act of enticing someone, especially into sexual misconduct”
Modern English
English
seduction
“The act of attracting or enticing someone into romantic or sexual involvement”