entice
UK[ɪnˈtaɪs]US[ɪnˈtaɪs]
v
To attract someone or persuade them to do something by offering them something pleasant or a reward.
Etymology
The word 'entice' has a fiery and provocative past. It entered Middle English from the Anglo-Norman 'enticier', which meant to incite or provoke. Scholars suggest its deeper roots may lie in a Vulgar Latin form intitiāre, potentially combining the Latin prefix 'in-' (into) with 'titiō' (a firebrand), thus carrying the literal sense of "to set on fire" or "to kindle". Over centuries, this vivid metaphor of igniting passion or desire softened and specialized, evolving from a general provocation to the more specific modern meaning of alluring someone with the promise of pleasure or gain.
Analysis
The word is a simplex form. It entered English from Anglo-Norman/Old French 'enticier', meaning 'to incite, provoke'. Its ultimate origin is uncertain but may be from Vulgar Latin intitiāre, a blend of Latin 'in-' (in, into) and 'titiō' (firebrand, incitement), or possibly related to a Germanic root.
Examples
The advertisement uses bright colors and catchy music to entice customers.
They tried to entice the star player with a very large contract.
The smell of freshly baked bread was enough to entice me into the bakery.