noun
tempter
TEMP-ter/ˈtemptər/
A person or force that entices someone toward wrongdoing or indulgence.
My brother plays the tempter, offering me another slice of cake.
Etymology
The verb behind this agent noun could mean “attempt to influence” as well as “test.” A tempter supplies that influence, drawing someone toward wrongdoing; the word was originally used especially of the devil.
In context
the adversary that stands in front of us is always the classical tempter or temptress. It's always beckoning us to do the wrong thing.
More examples
- She resists the tempter who urges her to cheat.
- The casino's flashing sign acts as a tempter to passing tourists.
- He avoids tempters who encourage him to break his promises.
Forms
tempter · tempters
tempt verb — Entice someone toward wrongdoing or indulgence.
temptation noun — An urge toward wrongdoing or indulgence.
Similar words
- enticer
- Emphasizes attraction or persuasion, without necessarily suggesting moral wrongdoing.
- seducer
- Often suggests sexual persuasion rather than temptation in general.