Definition

1. Noun:
   • The act of using flattery or coaxing to persuade someone: "Blandishment" refers to the action of trying to influence or persuade a person by using pleasing words, compliments, or gentle urging.
   • A flattering or coaxing remark or action intended to persuade: It also refers to the specific words or acts themselves that are designed to charm, flatter, or coax someone into doing something.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • He was immune to her blandishments and refused to change his decision. (The flattering words she used did not persuade him.)
  • The salesman's blandishments were so obvious that they made the customer suspicious. (The salesman's attempts at flattery to make a sale were transparent.)
  • She used a combination of logic and gentle blandishment to get her way. (She persuaded using both reason and coaxing.)

Advanced Usage

• Often used in the plural form ("blandishments"): The word is frequently used in its plural form to refer to a series or collection of flattering remarks or acts.
  • Despite the many blandishments of the lobbyists, the senator held firm. (The senator did not yield to the lobbyists' persistent flattery.)
• Used in formal or literary contexts: "Blandishment" is more common in formal writing, literature, or discussions about persuasion and influence, rather than in everyday casual speech.

Variants and Related Words

• Blandish (verb): To coax or influence someone by gentle flattery; to use blandishments.
  • He tried to blandish the guard into letting him pass.
• Blandisher (noun): A person who uses blandishments.

Synonyms

• Flattery: Excessive and insincere praise.
• Cajolery: Persuasion by flattery or gentle pleading.
• Coaxing: Persuading someone gradually or by flattery.
• Wheedling: Using endearments or flattery to persuade.

Antonyms

• Threat: A statement of an intention to inflict harm.
• Intimidation: The action of frightening or coercing someone.
• Criticism: The expression of disapproval.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To resist someone's blandishments": To not be persuaded by someone's flattering words or coaxing.
  • The judge was known to resist all blandishments and base her rulings solely on the law.
• "To succumb to blandishments": To finally yield or give in to flattery or coaxing.
  • He eventually succumbed to their blandishments and agreed to join the committee.

Noun

1. the act of urging by means of teasing or flattery
2. flattery intended to persuade