persuade
/pəˈsweɪd
/verb [with object and infinitive]
1Induce (someone) to do something through reasoning or argument: it wasn’t easy, but I persuaded him to do the right thing...
- The arguments and results may persuade you to change the way you coach this critical skill.
- After several minutes reasoning, Rachel was persuaded to give the mouse freedom in the front garden.
- They only lived in Las Vegas for six months, until Jena persuaded her mom to move to Los Angeles.
Synonyms
prevail on, talk someone into, coax, convince, make, get, press someone into, induce, win someone over, bring someone round, argue someone into, pressure someone into, pressurize someone into, coerce, influence, sway, prompt, inveigle, entice, tempt, lure, cajole, wheedle someone into, get round, blarney, prod someone into, reason someone into;
Law procure
informal sweet-talk, smooth-talk, soft-soap, twist someone's arm
1.1 [with object] Cause (someone) to believe something, especially after a sustained effort; convince: health boards were finally persuaded of the desirability of psychiatric units [with object and clause]: he did everything he could to persuade the police that he was the robber...
- Applying that standard we were not persuaded of the guilt of the employee and we could not move honestly to dismissal.
- Why would individuals expend effort to persuade an audience about something that it already believes?
- He persuaded Americans to believe not only in their power but also in the righteousness of that power.
1.2(Of a situation or event) provide a sound reason for (someone) to do something: the cost of the manor’s restoration persuaded them to take in guests...
- She explained that the event had finally persuaded her husband to wear his thick glasses in public.
- His top-rated programme now persuades people to go out and buy satellite receivers.
- Laurel and Hardy's best performances persuade you that humiliation is not all it's cracked up to be.
Synonyms
cause, lead, move, dispose, incline, motivate, induce
Usage
For a discussion of the difference between persuade and convince, see convince (usage).
Derivatives
persuasible
/ adjectiveOrigin
Late 15th century: from Latin persuadere, from per- 'through, to completion' + suadere 'advise'.