tempt

tempt [ tempt ] verb transitive **

1. ) often passive to make you want to do or have something, especially something that is not good for you:

The store windows were lit invitingly, tempting the late shoppers.

Do you want another drink? I'm tempted.

be tempted to do something: Don't be tempted to spend too much.

tempt someone into (doing) something: You try to tempt the defender into making a tackle.

a ) used about something that is wrong or dangerous:

I was sorely (=strongly) tempted to hit him.

Unemployment undoubtedly increases the number of those tempted into crime.

b ) used about something that is good or attractive:

The programs are designed to tempt young people into engineering.

The lunches are cheap in order to tempt people back in the evening.

2. ) to try to persuade someone to do something wrong by offering them a reward if they do it:

Jesus was tempted by the Devil.

I'm tempted/I'd be tempted to do something MAINLY SPOKEN

used as a polite way of saying what you want to do, or what you think should be done:

I'm tempted to call the police.

I'd be tempted to put the title in bigger letters.

tempt fate/providence

to say or do something that may cause problems, or cause your good luck to end:

Don't tempt fate by saying we can win.