v.tr. & refl. 1 (often foll. by of, or that + clause) cause (another person or oneself) to believe; convince (persuaded them that it would be helpful; tried to persuade me of its value). 2 a (often foll. by to + infin.) induce (another person or oneself) (persuaded us to join them; managed to persuade them at last). b (foll. by away from, down to, etc.) lure, attract, entice, etc. (persuaded them away from the pub). persuadable adj. persuadability n. persuasible adj.
[ L persuadere (as PER-, suadere suas- advise) ]