Seduction: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used in the context of enticing someone into a romantic or sexual relationship. Often carries a connotation of manipulation or deceit.

• The novel explores the themes of power and seduction in high society.
• He couldn't resist her seduction and soon fell in love with her.

Refers to something that attracts or tempts someone, often used in situations where there is an element of persuasion or coaxing involved.

• The enticement of a lucrative deal was too strong to resist.
• The advertisement used enticement to draw in customers.

Describes the desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise. Often used in moral or ethical contexts.

• Despite his diet, the temptation to eat the cake was too strong.
• She struggled with the temptation to cheat on the exam.

Used to describe the quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating. It can be used in a romantic, professional, or general context.

• The allure of the city pulled him in, promising new opportunities.
• Her allure was undeniable, capturing everyone's attention at the party.

Describes a pleasant and attractive quality that makes people like someone or something. Often used to describe someone's personality or demeanor.

• He won the negotiations with his charm and wit.
• The small village has a charm that draws tourists from across the world.

The word seduction is repeated here. The earlier context and examples remain the same.

Persuasion involves convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning or argument. It is usually seen as a more honest and straightforward approach compared to manipulation.

• After much persuasion, he agreed to take the job.
• Her powers of persuasion were unmatched, and she convinced everyone to follow her plan.

Enticement refers to attracting someone by offering something appealing or desirable. It can be used in various contexts, both positive and negative.

• The enticement of free gifts attracted many customers.
• The criminal was charged with the enticement of a minor.

Manipulation has a negative connotation and involves controlling or influencing someone in a deceptive or unfair manner.

• His skillful manipulation of the facts led to a misleading conclusion.
• She felt like she was under his manipulation and couldn't make her own decisions.

Used when involving charm or allure to gain someone's affection or achieve one's end, often with a negative connotation and associated with manipulation or deceit.

• His smooth talk was a clear attempt at seduction.
• The lure of the forbidden fruit was an act of seduction.

Implies the use of temptations or attractive offers to lure someone into doing something. Often has a negative nuance, suggesting a potential element of trickery or enticing someone towards something not entirely honest.

• The enticement of high salaries drew many employees to the new company.
• She was led into the deal by the enticement of quick profits.

Describes a natural, often mutual, magnetic pull between people, objects, or ideas. It’s neutral, implying a simple, appealing force without underlying motives.

• Their mutual attraction was obvious from the start.
• The city's main attraction is its beautiful coastline.

Refers to the act of convincing someone to do or believe something through reasoning and argument. It’s neutral and can be seen as a positive action, depending on intent and method.

• Her powers of persuasion won over the skeptical audience.
• It took a lot of persuasion to get him to agree to the plan.