lure

I. noun Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French lure, leure, of Germanic origin; akin to Middle High German luoder bait; perhaps akin to Old English lathian to invite, Old High German ladōn Date: 14th century 1. an object usually of leather or feathers attached to a long cord and used by a falconer to recall or exercise a hawk 2. a. an inducement to pleasure or gain ; enticement b. appeal, attraction 3. a decoy for attracting animals to capture: as a. artificial bait used for catching fish b. an often luminous structure on the head of pediculate fishes that is used to attract prey II. transitive verb (lured; luring) Date: 14th century 1. to recall or exercise (a hawk) by means of a lure 2. to draw with a hint of pleasure or gain ; attract actively and strongly Synonyms: lure, entice, inveigle, decoy, tempt, seduce mean to lead astray from one's true course. lure implies a drawing into danger, evil, or difficulty through attracting and deceiving <

lured naive investors with get-rich-quick schemes

>. entice suggests drawing by artful or adroit means <

advertising designed to entice new customers

>. inveigle implies enticing by cajoling or flattering <

fund-raisers inveigling wealthy alumni

>. decoy implies a luring into entrapment by artifice <

attempting to decoy the enemy into an ambush

>. tempt implies the presenting of an attraction so strong that it overcomes the restraints of conscience or better judgment <

tempted by the offer of money

>. seduce implies a leading astray by persuasion or false promises <

seduced by assurances of assistance

>.