tempt

 
Pronunciation: /tɛm(p)t/

verb

[with object]
  • entice or try to entice (someone) to do something that they find attractive but know to be wrong or unwise: there’ll always be someone tempted by the rich pickings of poaching [with object and infinitive]: jobs which involve entertaining may tempt you to drink more than you intend
  • (be tempted to do something) have an urge or inclination to do something: I was tempted to look at my watch, but didn’t dare
  • persuade (someone) to do something: he was tempted out of retirement to save the team from relegation
  • archaic risk provoking (a deity or abstract force), usually with undesirable consequences: how is it that ye have agreed together, to tempt the Spirit of the Lord?

Phrases

tempt fate (or providence)

do something that is risky or dangerous: bike couriers tempt fate at every traffic light

Derivatives

temptability

Pronunciation: /-ˈbɪlɪti/
noun

temptable

adjective

Origin:

Middle English: from Old French tempter 'to test', from Latin temptare 'handle, test, try'