Inveigled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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inveigled

[ษชnหˆveษชษกษ™ld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

manipulative action

To inveigle means to lure or entice someone into doing something through clever persuasion or deceit. This term often implies using charm or cunning to achieve one's goals, typically at the expense of the person being manipulated.

Synonyms

coax, entice, lure, manipulate, seduce.

Examples of usage

  • She inveigled him into signing the contract.
  • The scam artist inveigled many into his scheme.
  • He cleverly inveigled the information from her.
  • They inveigled the unsuspecting tourists into the tour.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Literature

  • The word often appears in works of classic literature, where characters use cunning to achieve their goals.
  • Famous works by authors like Shakespeare use variations of the word to demonstrate manipulation and deceit in relationships.
  • In novels, protagonists may become victims or users of clever schemes, highlighting the moral dimensions of being inveigled.

Psychology

  • Studies show that people who are inveigled often feel a sense of regret, especially if tricked into making poor decisions.
  • The use of manipulation plays into the psychology of persuasion, where trust and emotional appeals are key factors.
  • Recognizing methods of deception can help individuals protect themselves from being inadvertently inveigled.

Pop Culture

  • In films, characters often get inveigled into dangerous situations through charm or deceit, adding tension to the plot.
  • Popular TV shows frequently depict scenarios where one character trickily convinces another to agree to something they'd normally refuse.
  • Music lyrics sometimes explore themes of manipulation, often using the concept of being inveigled to illustrate emotional turmoil.

Law

  • Inveigling can have legal implications, particularly in cases involving fraud or coercion.
  • Laws often aim to protect individuals from being inveigled into contracts or agreements under false pretenses.
  • Understanding this term can be crucial for legal professionals in identifying cases of manipulation or deceit.

Origin of 'inveigled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French term 'enveigler,' which means to seduce or entice.
  • In Latin, the root 'vigilare' means to watch, giving a sense of weaving traps with careful observation.
  • It has been in use since the early 16th century, showcasing its long history in the English language.

The word 'inveigle' has its roots in Middle French, derived from the word 'aveugler,' which means to blind or to deceive. This connection to deception is significant as the term evolved in English during the early 17th century. The prefix 'in-' suggests 'into' or 'inward,' while 'veigle' relates to the act of seducing or alluring someone. Over time, 'inveigle' came to be associated with manipulation that involves softer tactics, often employing charm or subtlety. The usage of the word highlights the duality of persuasion and deceit, making it a particularly vivid choice in literature and rhetoric. Today, it retains its negative connotation, indicating more than just attraction; it suggests a level of treachery or cunning in the method of persuasion employed.


Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #33,852 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.