inducement

/ɪnˈdusmɪnt/

/ɪnˈdusmɪnt/

Other forms: inducements

The act of persuading someone to do something is called inducement. If you're training a dog, you might use food as an inducement to make the dog do what you want. This works with some humans too.

The original meaning of the noun inducement came from the Latin verb inducere, meaning "to lead or persuade." Roman philosopher Seneca said, “There is no evil that does not promise inducements. Avarice promises money; luxury, a varied assortment of pleasures; ambition, a purple robe and applause. Vices tempt you by the rewards they offer.” So you can be seduced to bad behavior by some inducements or encouraged to good behavior by others. Would you like a treat?

Definitions of inducement

1. noun

   a positive motivational influence
   synonyms: incentive, motivator

   types:

   dynamic, moral force

   an efficient incentive

   type of:

   rational motive

   a motive that can be defended by reasoning or logical argument
2. noun

   act of bringing about a desired result
   “inducement of sleep”

   synonyms: inducing

   types:

   corruption

   inducement (as of a public official) by improper means (as bribery) to violate duty (as by commiting a felony)

   type of:

   causation, causing

   the act of causing something to happen