induce

verb

in·duce in-ˈdüs

-ˈdyüs

induced; inducing

Synonyms of induce next

transitive verb

: to move by persuasion or influence

: to call forth or bring about by influence or stimulation

: effect, cause

: to cause the formation of

: to produce by induction

induce an electric current

: to determine by induction

specifically : to infer from particulars

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Inducing is usually gentle persuasion; you may, for instance, induce a friend to go to a concert, or induce a child to stop crying. An inducement is something that might lure you to do something, though inducements are occasionally a bit menacing, like the Godfather's offer that you can't refuse. Induce also sometimes means "produce;" thus, doctors must at times induce labor in a pregnant woman. Notice that induct and induction are somewhat different from induce and inducement, though they come from the identical roots.

Examples of induce in a Sentence

The advertisement is meant to induce people to eat more fruit. No one knows what induced him to leave. Her illness was induced by overwork. They will induce labor to avoid complications.

Recent Examples on the Web She was induced and had vaginal deliveries each time. —

Rosie Colosi, NBC News, 25 Apr. 2024 Mugwort is an herb that is easily foraged and induces more vivid dreams. —

Jenny Boully, Los Angeles Times, 22 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for induce

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'induce.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French inducer, from Latin inducere, from in- + ducere to lead — more at tow entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of induce was in the 14th century

See more words from the same century

Cite this Entry

Style

“Induce.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/induce. Accessed 4 May. 2024.

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Kids Definition

induce

verb

in·duce in-ˈd(y)üs

induced; inducing

: to lead on to do something : persuade

: bring about, cause

an illness induced by overwork

: to reach (a general conclusion) based on particular facts or examples

: to produce (as an electric current) by induction

inducer noun

inducible

-ˈd(y)ü-sə-bəl

adjective

Medical Definition

induce

transitive verb

in·duce in-ˈd(y)üs

induced; inducing

: to cause or bring about

anesthesia induced by drugs

: as

a(1)

: to cause the embryological formation of

the optic cup induces lens tissue in the adjacent ectoderm

(2)

: to cause to form through embryonic induction

induce ectoderm to form a neural tube

: to cause or initiate by artificial means

induced abortion

induced labor

: to produce anesthesia in

the patient was induced by a mixture of thiopental and curare

Last Updated: 29 Apr 2024 - Updated example sentences

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induce

verb

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Synonyms

Examples of induce in a Sentence

Word History

Dictionary Entries Near induce

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Kids Definition

Medical Definition