Tempt v. t. [imp. & p. p. Tempted; p. pr. & vb. n. Tempting.]
1. To put to trial; to prove; to test; to try.
God did tempt Abraham. --Gen. xxii. 1.
Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God. --Deut. vi. 16.
2. To lead, or endeavor to lead, into evil; to entice to what is wrong; to seduce.
Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. --James i. 14.
3. To endeavor to persuade; to induce; to invite; to incite; to provoke; to instigate.
Tempt not the brave and needy to despair. --Dryden.
Nor tempt the wrath of heaven's avenging Sire. --Pope.
4. To endeavor to accomplish or reach; to attempt.
Ere leave be given to tempt the nether skies. --Dryden.
Syn: -- To entice; allure; attract; decoy; seduce.
◄ ►