Induce
/ɪnˈdjuːs/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause something to happen; to bring about or lead to a result.
/ɪnˈdjuːs/
To cause or bring about.
The advertisement was designed to induce customers to buy the product.
💡 Simply: To make something happen. Like when you help a friend be brave and they then start to do something they're scared to do.
👶 For kids: To make something happen. Like when you say 'boo!' to make someone jump.
More Examples
The teacher tried to induce a sense of curiosity in her students.
The company's aggressive marketing tactics induced a rise in sales.
How It's Used
"The scientist induced a chemical reaction by adding a catalyst."
"Doctors may induce labor when a pregnancy goes past its due date."
"The prosecutor tried to induce the witness to change her testimony."
To succeed in persuading or influencing someone to do something.
/ɪnˈdjuːs/
To persuade someone to do something.
The offer of a higher salary induced him to take the job.
💡 Simply: To convince someone to do something. Like when your friend tries to get you to go to the movies.
👶 For kids: To try to get someone to do something. Like when your friend asks you to play tag.
More Examples
The detective tried to induce the suspect to confess.
Peer pressure can often induce teenagers to make risky decisions.
How It's Used
"The defense lawyer tried to induce a guilty plea from the defendant."
"She was induced by her friends to go to the party."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
Induced labor
The process of starting labor artificially using medication or other means.
"Doctors may recommend induced labor if the baby or mother's health is at risk."
From Latin *inducere* 'to lead in, bring in,' from *in-* 'in, into' + *ducere* 'to lead.'
The word 'induce' has been used since the 15th century, originally referring to bringing someone 'in' or introducing them to something. It evolved to encompass the meaning of causing or persuading.
Memory tip
Imagine 'in-duce' as leading something 'in' to being. Like a domino effect.