Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Induce?

\In*duce"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Induced}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Inducing}.] [L. inducere, inductum; pref. in- in + ducere to lead. See {Duke}, and cf. {Induct}.] 1. To lead in; to introduce. [Obs.] The poet may be seen inducing his personages in the first Iliad. --Pope. 2. To draw on; to overspread. [A Latinism] --Cowper. 3. To lead on; to influence; to prevail on; to incite; to move by persuasion or influence. --Shak. He is not obliged by your offer to do it, . . . though he may be induced, persuaded, prevailed upon, tempted. --Paley. Let not the covetous desire of growing rich induce you to ruin your reputation. --Dryden. 4. To bring on; to effect; to cause; as, a fever induced by fatigue or exposure. Sour things induces a contraction in the nerves. --Bacon. 5. (Physics) To produce, or cause, by proximity without contact or transmission, as a particular electric or magnetic condition in a body, by the approach of another body in an opposite electric or magnetic state. 6. (Logic) To generalize or conclude as an inference from all the particulars; -- the opposite of deduce. Syn: To move; instigate; urge; impel; incite; press; influence; actuate.