Temptation: meaning, definitions and examples

Used when referring to a strong attraction to do something, especially something bad or unwise.

• She resisted the temptation to eat another piece of cake
• The temptation to cheat was strong, but he chose to be honest

Implies a sudden, strong need or impulse to do something, often spontaneous and sometimes difficult to control.

• He had an urge to call her in the middle of the night
• The sudden urge to run came over him as he stood at the start line

A strong feeling of wanting something or wishing for something to happen. It can be used for both material and immaterial desires.

• She had a strong desire to travel the world
• His desire for success drove him to work hard

Refers to an intense and specific longing or hunger, often particularly for food or certain experiences.

• Pregnant women often have cravings for unusual foods
• He had a sudden craving for chocolate

It is often used to describe a strong urge or desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise.

• She resisted the temptation to eat the chocolate cake.
• The book discusses the temptations that come with power.

Typically used to describe an attractive quality that draws people in, often in a mysterious or sophisticated way.

• The allure of Paris was hard to resist.
• There is a certain allure to the old mansion.

Often used to describe something that lures or leads someone to do something wrong, similar to temptation, but with a greater focus on the inducing factor.

• The enticement of easy money was too strong to resist.
• They used various enticements to attract new clients.

Commonly used to refer to the quality of being attractive or interesting, in a broad sense.

• The idea of traveling the world has a lot of appeal.
• His charisma and appeal won over the audience.