induce
/ɪnˈduːs/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: induces · inducing
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To lead by persuasion or influence; incite or prevail upon.
Verb
Examples
The Celebrity, by arts unknown, induced Mrs. Judge Short and two other ladies to call at Mohair on a certain afternoon when Mr. Cooke was trying a trotter on the track. The three returned wondering and charmed with Mrs. Cooke; they were sure she had had no hand in the furnishing of that atrocious ho
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To cause, bring about, lead to.
Verb
Examples
His meditation induced a compromise. Opium induces sleep.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “induce” mean?
To lead by persuasion or influence; incite or prevail upon.
Is “induce” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.