induce

verb

in-DOOS/ɪnˈduːs/UKin-DYOOS/ɪnˈdjuːs/

Formsinduces, inducing, induced

7 meanings of induce

Practice

1
verbtransitive
To get someone to do something by talking them into it.
Like nudging a friend until they agree to come along.
Nothing could induce him to change his mind.
The salesman tried to induce her to buy the extended warranty.
Similarentice
Oppositedissuade, deter, discourage
Note
2
verbtransitive
To make something happen or come about.
Like flipping a switch that makes a light turn on.
The medicine can induce sleep within minutes.
Loud noises may induce stress in some animals.
Similarprompt, trigger, stimulate, provoke, drive
Oppositeprevent
Note
3
verbtransitive
To start childbirth with medicine before it begins on its own.
Like giving a gentle push to start something that was about to begin anyway.
Doctors decided to induce her because the baby was overdue.
They may induce labor if there are health concerns.
Note
4
verbtransitive
To create an electric current or magnetic field by physical means, without direct contact.
Like a passing wave that makes a nearby boat bob up and down without touching it.
A moving magnet can induce a current in a nearby coil.
Changing magnetic fields induce electricity in the wire.
Similargenerate, produce
Note
5
verbtransitive
To work out a general rule by looking at many separate examples.
Like guessing the whole picture of a puzzle after seeing just a few pieces.
From the data, scientists could induce a simple rule.
She tried to induce a pattern from the few clues she had.
Similarinfer, derive
Oppositededuce
Note

Less common meanings

6
verbobsoletetransitive
To bring someone or something into a place.
Note
7
verbobsoletetransitive
To put or lay something onto a surface.
Note

Practice

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Origin

From Latin indūcere, meaning "to lead in" or "bring in," made from in plus dūcō "to lead."