Temptation Definition, Examples & Usage

Meaning 1：strong desire for something forbidden (temptation)

temptation 🔊

/tɛmpˈteɪʃən/

The strong feeling of wanting to do or have something that you know is not good or right.

Person resisting temptation of smartphone while studying

strong desire for something forbidden 🔊

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/strɔːŋ dɪˈzaɪər fɔːr ˈsʌmθɪŋ fərˈbɪdən/

A powerful urge to engage in a behavior or consume something that is known to be unwise or morally wrong.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Latin 'temptare' (to test) + '-ation' (action noun suffix).

💡 Mnemonic

Combine 'tempt' (to try) and 'action': the pull towards a forbidden act.

📖 Example

While studying for his exam, the temptation to check social media on his phone was constant, but he kept it away to focus. 🔊 While studying for his exam, the temptation to check social media on his phone was constant, but he kept it away to focus.

🔗 Collocations

resist temptation – To withstand the urge to do something unwise.

give in to temptation – To yield to the desire for something forbidden.

overcome temptation – To successfully avoid acting on a strong desire.

🔄 Synonyms

urge (n.) – A strong desire or impulse.

desire (n.) – A strong feeling of wanting something.

impulse (n.) – A sudden strong urge to act.

🚫 Antonyms

resistance (n.) – The ability to withstand temptation.

aversion (n.) – A strong dislike or disinclination.

restraint (n.) – The act of holding back from doing something.

🌱 Derivatives

tempt (v.) – To entice or try to persuade someone to do something wrong.

tempting (adj.) – Appealing or enticing, often in a way that is difficult to resist.

tempted (adj.) – Feeling a desire to do something that is not advisable.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'temptatio', meaning a test or trial. In Christian theology, Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by Satan, giving the word a strong moral conflict connotation.