tempt etymology

Etymology:

• Middle English: tempten, from Anglo-Norman French tempter, from Latin temptare "try, test, examine"
• Latin: temptare
• Proto-Indo-European: *temp- "stretch, pull"

Meaning:

• To try to persuade someone to do something wrong or foolish
• To provoke anger or irritation
• To test or put to the proof

Origin:

The word "tempt" originates from the Proto-Indo-European root *temp-, which means "stretch" or "pull." This root is also found in words such as "temptation" and "tempter."

In its earliest form, the Latin word "temptare" meant "to try or test." Over time, the meaning of "temptare" evolved to include "to tempt" and "to provoke."

The Middle English word "tempten" borrowed its meaning from Latin "temptare." In Modern English, "tempt" continues to be used in all three of its original senses.

tempt relate terms

• temple

  Etymology The English word temple is derived from the Latin word templum which in t

• tempting

  Etymology The word tempting comes from the Latin word tentare which means to test

• tempt

  Etymology Middle English tempten from Anglo Norman French tempter from Latin temptar

• taunt

  Etymology The word taunt comes from the Middle English tanten or tanten meaning

• charm

  Etymology Old French charme Latin carmen incantation spell song Proto Indo Euro

• influence

  Etymology Middle English influence from Old French influence from Late Latin influ

• scandalize

• stir

  Etymology The word stir originates from the Old English word styrian which means t

• snare

  Etymology Middle English snare from Old English snær meaning trap snare noose G

• attract

  Etymology Latin attrahere meaning to draw to or towards Proto Indo European h₂e

• lure

  Etymology The word lure comes from the Middle English word lure which in turn comes

• rule

  Etymology Derived from the Old French word reule which in turn comes from the Latin

• appeal

  Etymology The word appeal comes from the Latin word appellare which means to call