inveigh or inveigle? These two words are sometimes confused. Inveigh is always followed by the preposition against. To inveigh against someone or something is to speak or write about them in a very bitter, hostile; and condemnatory way: inveighed against the enemies of the working class. Inveigle is followed by a direct object and means ‘to use cunning or deceitful methods in order to get someone to do something’: inveigled her into parting with most of her savings.