allure
UK[əˈlʊə(r)]US[əˈlʊr]
n
the quality of being powerfully and mysteriously attractive or fascinating.
v
to powerfully attract or charm; to tempt.
Etymology
the word allure entered english in the late 15th century from the old french verb 'alurer', meaning 'to attract, captivate'. this old french term was itself a compound, formed from the prefix 'a-' (a variant of 'ad-', meaning 'to') and the verb 'loirer', meaning 'to lure'. the verb 'loirer' is of germanic origin, likely from a low german or middle dutch source related to the idea of calling or enticing, particularly in the context of falconry. thus, the core semantic journey of allure is from the literal, technical act of calling a bird of prey, through the old french sense of enticement, to its modern abstract meaning of a powerful and often mysterious attraction.
Analysis
the word is a simplex unit in modern english. it entered the language as a whole from old french.
Examples
the allure of the unknown has always driven explorers.
the city's vibrant nightlife continues to allure tourists from around the world.
she couldn't resist the allure of the beautifully wrapped gift.