seduce
UK[sɪˈdjuːs]US[sɪˈduːs]
v
To persuade someone to have sex with you, especially by using your charm or attractiveness.
v
To persuade someone to do something, especially something wrong or unwise, by making it seem attractive.
Morpheme Breakdown
se
duce
se
aside
duce
lead
Etymology
The word 'seduce' entered English in the early 16th century from Latin 'seducere', a compound of 'se-' (apart) and 'ducere' (to lead). Its literal meaning was "to lead aside or astray." This sense of leading someone away from the proper path was initially used in both physical and moral contexts. Over time, the meaning narrowed, focusing specifically on the idea of leading someone away from virtue, especially in matters of sexual conduct, and later broadened again to include enticing someone into any foolish or wrong action through attractive temptation.
Analysis
Structure: se (aside) + duce (lead)
- se: A Latin prefix meaning "aside," "away," or "apart." It indicates separation or deviation.
- duce: From the Latin root 'ducere', meaning "to lead." It functions as the core verb root.
Examples
He was accused of using his position to seduce vulnerable young interns.
The advertisement tries to seduce consumers with promises of a luxurious lifestyle.
She was seduced by the idea of quick wealth and made a disastrous investment.