-mənt noun
( -s )
1.
a. : the act or process of inducing
put into effect a system of inducement to encourage workers to turn out more work
b. : a quality or state which induces (as to action) or lures or entices
the inducement of philosophy was that it freed one from a sense of enslavement to circumstance
2.
a. : something that induces : a motive or consideration that leads one to action
reward is an inducement to effort
offer larger inducements to students to do good work
b. in Roman, Scots, and civil law : the consideration, reason, or motive for entering into a contract or the benefit or advantage furnished in a contractual bargain
3.
a. obsolete : introduction , preface
b. : matter presented by way of introduction or background to explain the principal allegations of a legal cause, plea, or defense — distinguished from surplusage
4. : colloquium 2
Synonyms: see motive