noun
temptation
tehmp-TAY-shuhn
noun
1
The urge or desire to do something, especially something unwise or forbidden.
"She resisted the temptation to check her phone during the meeting."
2
Something that is appealing enough to create that urge.
"The dessert menu was a real temptation after such a big dinner."
How to Use Temptation
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe pull toward doing something you know you probably shouldn't.
Common pairings
resist temptation
give in to temptation
a real temptation
Word Forms
temptations plural
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She resisted the _____ to check her phone during the meeting.
Etymology
From Old French temptacion, from Latin temptatio, built on tempt + the noun-forming suffix -ation.