Tĕmpt, v. t.
(tĕmt, 84), v. t. [imp. & p. p. TEMPTED; p. pr. & vb. n. TEMPTING.] [O. Fr. tempter, tempteir, N. Fr. tenter, Pr. temptar, Sp. & Pg. tentar, It. tentare, Lat. tentare, temptare, v. intens. from tendere, to stretch.]
Sense 1. To endeavor to accomplish or reach; to try.
“Ere leave be given to tempt the nether sky.” Dryd.
Sense 2. To endeavor to persuade; to incite; to provoke; to instigate.
Tempt not the brave and needy to despair. Dryden.
Sense 3. To put to trial; to test; to prove.
God did tempt Abraham. Gen. xxii. 1.
Ye shall not tempt the Lord your God. Deut. vi. 16.
Sense 4. To lead, or endeavor to lead, into evil; to entice to what is wrong; to seduce.
Every man is tempted when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. James i. 14.
Synonyms—To entice; allure; attract; decoy; seduce.