v.
Pronunciation: ' tem(p)t
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French tempter, tenter, from Latin temptare, tentare to feel, try
Date: 13th century
1 : to entice to do wrong by promise of pleasure or gain
2 a obsolete : to make trial of : TEST b : to try presumptuously : PROVOKE < tempt fate> c : to risk the dangers of
3 a : to induce to do something b : to cause to be strongly inclined <was tempt ed to call it quits>
synonyms see LURE
– tempt · able \ ' tem(p)-t ə -b ə l \ adjective