Definition

Noun: 1. A person who tempts others: An individual who entices, persuades, or tries to lead someone into doing something, often something unwise, wrong, or forbidden. 2. The Tempter: A specific, often capitalized, reference to Satan or the Devil, personified as the ultimate source of temptation.

Usage

The word "tempter" is used to describe a person who actively tries to persuade someone to act against their better judgment. It carries a negative connotation, implying the action being encouraged is morally questionable or harmful. When capitalized ("the Tempter"), it is a proper noun referring specifically to the devil in Christian theology.

Examples

• The smooth-talking salesman was a tempter, convincing people to buy things they didn't need.
• In the story, the old man played the role of the tempter, offering the hero wealth in exchange for his loyalty.
• She resisted the tempter who urged her to cheat on the exam.
• (Capitalized) In many religious texts, the Tempter is depicted as a serpent or a fallen angel.

Advanced Usage

• Archaic/Literary Use: The term is common in religious, philosophical, and literary contexts to discuss morality and free will.
• Personification: "Tempter" can be used to personify an abstract source of temptation.
  • The whispered promise of easy money was a constant tempter.

Variants and Related Words

• Tempt (verb): To entice or attempt to persuade someone to do something.
• Temptation (noun): The desire to do something, especially something wrong or unwise, or the thing that causes such a desire.
• Tempting (adjective): Appealing, attractive, or enticing.

Synonyms

• Seducer
• Enticer
• Instigator
• Persuader (when used in a negative context)

Idioms and Phrases

• The voice of the tempter: Refers to an inner urge or external suggestion to do something one knows is wrong.
  • He ignored the voice of the tempter and chose the honest path.

Noun

1. a person who tempts others
   • Satan is the great tempter of mankind