induce
in-DOOSS
/ɪnˈdjuːs/
To succeed in persuading or influencing someone to do something; to bring about or give rise to a physical condition.
Often implies a gentle or systematic leading into a state, such as sleep or labor, or a logical conclusion.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'inducere', meaning 'to lead in'. It can mean leading someone into a trap, into a belief, or leading a physical state into existence.
Word relationships
- persuade: 'Persuade' is more about talk; 'induce' is more about the process of causing a state.
- instigate: 'Instigate' usually implies something negative; 'induce' is more neutral.
- deter: To lead someone away from an action rather than into it.
Commonly confused with
- deduce: Induce leads 'into' a general theory from facts; deduce leads 'down' from a theory to a fact.
Word family
- induction (noun): The process of inducing or the formal act of bringing someone into a group.
- inductive (adjective): Characterized by the use of induction.
Collocations
- induce sleep
- induce vomiting
- induce a change
- induce someone to act
Example sentences
- "The doctors decided to induce labor because the baby was two weeks overdue." Medical Context
- "From these specific cases, we can induce a general law of physics." Logic
Memory hook
Induce is to lead 'In' (In) to a state or action. Lead into a state.
When not to use
Do not use 'induce' for forceful coercion; use 'compel' or 'force' instead.
Fun facts
- In electricity, 'induction' is the production of an electromotive force across an electrical conductor in a changing magnetic field.
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