Persuade

(per-swād'), v. t. [imp. & p. p. PERSUADED; p. pr. & vb. n. PERSUADING.] [Lat. persuadere, persuasum, from the prefix per, through, and suadere, to advise, persuade; Fr. persuader, Sp. persuadir, It. persuadere.]

1Sense 1. To influence by argument, advice, entreaty, or expostulation; to draw or incline to a determination by presenting sufficient motives.

We will persuade him, be it possible. Shak.

I should be glad if I could persuade him to write such another critic on any thing of mine. Dryden.

2Sense 2. To convince by argument, or reasons offered or suggested from reflection.

Beloved, we are persuaded better things of you. Heb. vi. 9.

3Sense 3. To inculcate by argument or expostulation. [Rare.] Bp. Taylor.

Synonyms—To convince; induce; prevail on; win over; allure; entice. See CONVINCE.

n. Persuasion. [Obs. and rare.] The king’s entreats, persuades of friends, Nor aught that can be named, Can move him. Beau. & Fl.