verb
inveigle
in-VAY-gul/ɪnˈveɪɡl/
To persuade someone through flattery or deception.
The smiling operator inveigles a customer into betting on the shell game.
Etymology
The apparent source, French aveugler, means “to blind” or “delude.” English moved from blinding people's judgment to winning them over by deceit or flattery.
In context
the better to inveigle their votaries, had mixed with their own tricks a good deal of the absurd superstitions of that sect in order to give a greater air of mystery to the whole
More examples
- She inveigles her brother into helping by praising his repair skills.
- He tried to inveigle an invitation from the host with extravagant compliments.
- They were inveigled into signing by false promises of easy money.
Forms
inveigle · inveigles · inveigled · inveigling