tempt

Etymology

From Middle English tempten, from Old French tempter (French: tenter), from Latin temptare, from tentare (“to handle, touch, try, test, tempt”), frequentative of tendere (“to stretch”). Displaced native English costning (“temptation”).

verb

  1. (transitive) To provoke someone to do wrong, especially by promising a reward; to entice.
    She tempted me to eat the apple.
  2. (transitive) To attract; to allure.
    Its glossy skin tempted me.
  3. (transitive) To provoke something; to court.
    It would be tempting fate.

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